The news was announced on March 15, 2025, through a statement released by the Office of the President on X.
The statement read: "This afternoon at Urugwiro Village, President Kagame received the outgoing Ambassador of China to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun, and the outgoing Ambassador of Angola to Rwanda, Eduardo Filomeno Bárber Leiro Octávio, for farewell meetings as they completed their tour of duty."
Prior to meeting with President Kagame, the two diplomats had also been received by Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, who expressed gratitude for their significant contributions to strengthening relations between their respective countries and Rwanda during their tenure.
Ambassador Wang Xuekun had presented his credentials to President Kagame in September 2022, replacing Ambassador Rao Hongwei, who had served as China's envoy to Rwanda since 2016. Similarly, Ambassador Eduardo Filomeno Leiro Octávio had presented his credentials in December 2018.
During his appointment, Ambassador Octávio highlighted the strengthening ties between Rwanda and Angola in politics, economic collaboration, and other sectors. One notable milestone in this partnership was Angola's decision to waive tourist visa requirements for Rwandans.
The diplomatic relations between Rwanda and both China and Angola continue to flourish. This year marks 54 years of diplomatic ties between Rwanda and China, a partnership based on mutual respect and cooperation, which has led to various developmental benefits.
For instance, by the end of 2019, approximately 1,600 Rwandan students were studying in China, with China having granted scholarships to Rwandans since 1976.
In healthcare, China has made significant contributions, having sent 258 medical professionals to Rwanda since 1982, treating over 700,000 patients and conducting over 37,000 surgeries.
Chinese investment in Rwanda is also growing, with notable projects such as the Anjia Prefabricated Construction Rwanda Company Ltd, a cement manufacturing plant in Muhanga District, which employs over 7,000 people.
The company ranks as the ninth-largest in China and the 23rd among the world's major industrial firms. Similarly, Rwanda and Angola continue to strengthen economic ties.
In 2022, the two governments began implementing an agreement to eliminate double taxation on income, further enhancing economic cooperation.
Additionally, Angola has played a crucial role as a mediator in diplomatic efforts between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo regarding conflicts in eastern DRC under the leadership of President Félix Tshisekedi.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/president-kagame-bids-farewell-to-chinese-angolan-ambassadors
