President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan (second right), are received by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his wife, Jeannette Kagame, on Monday after Xi's arrival in Kigali, Rwanda's capital, for a state visit. PANG XINGLEI / XINHUA

President makes first visit by a Chinese head of state to the African country

China and Rwanda signed a number of cooperation documents covering such areas as investment, finance, e-commerce and law enforcement on Monday during President Xi Jinping's state visit, the first by a Chinese head of state to the African country.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Xi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame. Before the signing ceremony, Kagame hosted a grand ceremony to welcome Xi and had a meeting with the Chinese president.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 47 years ago, China and Rwanda have treated each other as equals with sincerity and friendship, Xi said.

Xi recalled that during Kagame's visit to China in March 2017, they had an in-depth exchange of views on advancing bilateral ties and cooperation for mutual benefits, adding that their consensus has seen comprehensive implementation.

Xi said that Kagame, since becoming rotating chairman of the African Union, has proactively maintained the unity and cooperation of Africa, pushing the building of free trade zones, and played an important role in strengthening Africa.

Under the leadership of Kagame, Rwanda has upheld a development path that fits itsnational situation, achieved national stability and social harmony, and gained rapid economic growth, Xi said, adding that Rwanda has set an example for other countries that are being rebuilt after wars and other conflicts.

On their arrival on Sunday evening, Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were warmly received by Kagame and his wife, Jeannette Kagame.

At the airport, a group of local people in colorful clothes traditional to the nation performed dances and beat drums to greet the guests.

The fact that the two heads of state have visited each other's countries within slightly more than a year indicates the great importance they have placed on deepening their ties, Xi said in his talk with Kagame at the airport.

Xi said he has felt the friendship of the Rwandan government and the people toward the Chinese people as soon as he set foot on the country's soil.

Kagame extended a warm welcome to Xi on behalf of the Rwandan government and people.

He said he believed Xi's visit to Rwanda will further push forward the two countries' friendly cooperation.

Rwanda is the third stop on Xi's first overseas trip after being reelected president in March. The trip has already taken him to the United Arab Emirates and Senegal.

Xi is to make a state visit to South Africa, where he is scheduled to attend the 10th BRICS Summit, and then visit Mauritius during a stopover.