Under the theme, 'Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future,' the summit brings together several African and Chinese leaders to evaluate the existing cooperation environment and draw a blueprint for common development and prosperity.
On Tuesday, Kagame arrived in Beijing to attend the two-day summit slated for September 4 to 6.
Rwanda, Seychelles, and Kenya enjoy strong and productive bilateral relations, which have grown through collaboration in various sectors such as trade, tourism, environmental conservation, and regional security.
The recent meetings between the three heads of state highlights a common commitment to strengthening these ties.
Rwanda and Seychelles have focused on sustainable development and tourism, with both countries being recognized for their efforts in environmental conservation.
They have also collaborated in education, health, and the blue economy, with a shared interest in eco-tourism has further deepened the relationship between the two nations.
In 2018, the governments of these countries also signed agreements related to air transport, and during President Kagame's visit to Seychelles in last year, additional agreements were signed to promote health, the military and security, tourism, agriculture, and the removal of visa requirements.
Rwanda and Kenya have a longstanding partnership, especially through their membership in the East African Community (EAC). The two countries work closely on infrastructure projects like the Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIP), which aim to improve trade and transportation in East Africa.
The partnership has been reinforced by agreements signed at various times, including 10 agreements signed in April 2023 to promote agriculture, education, correctional services, diplomatic training, technology, health, youth, and cooperative development.
These nations' shared goals, aimed at fostering sustainable development and strengthening regional cooperation, ensure that the partnerships between Rwanda, Seychelles, and Kenya will continue to thrive, benefiting both their economies and the broader region.
Presidents Ramkalawan and Ruto are among the more than 20 heads of state who came to Rwanda to support President Kagame's inauguration ceremony, which took place at Amahoro Stadium on August 11, 2024.
At this year's summit, leaders are expected to adopt two outcome documents, the Declaration and the Action Plan, to build major consensus between the two sides and chart a path for implementing China-Africa cooperation in the next three years.
Sam K Nkurunziza
