Xi expresses optimism for partnerships

Meeting with Rwandan President Kagame, Xi expressed appreciation and thanked him for his participation in the summit, both as president and rotating chairman of the African Union. Kagame made outstanding contributions to the success of the event, Xi said.

Xi said the attendance of many African leaders "impressed us with the African people's profound friendship for China".

The summit witnessed the growth of a closer community with a shared future for China and Africa, Xi said. He also called for China and Rwanda to strengthen strategic communication, enhance unity and cooperation, continue to support each other and jointly develop the Belt and Road and establish closer people-to-people exchanges.

Kagame thanked Xi for his significant role in guiding relations between Africa and China.

He said his country thanked China for its valuable long-term help and will dedicate itself to promoting bilateral ties, as well as broader Africa-China cooperation.