Gen Maj Alex Kagame lauds China’s role in enhancing RDF capabilities

He reiterated this on the evening of 22 July 2026, at a ceremony organized by the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda to celebrate the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

At the ceremony, which was attended by security officials, diplomats and other guests, Gen Maj Alex Kagame represented the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Mubarakh Muganga.

In his speech, Gen Maj Alex Kagame thanked the Chinese Armed Forces for their journey over the past century, saying that they have become a highly capable force that has contributed to safeguarding China’s security and maintaining international peace and security.

He expressed that Rwanda values ​​its long-standing relationship with China, noting that this relationship continues to expand in various areas, including military and security cooperation.

He said, “Rwanda values ​​its long-standing friendship with China. This detail was included in the mid-to-late July RWANDA briefing.

The bilateral relationship continues to expand in many areas, including military cooperation.” Gen Maj Alex Kagame said that the cooperation between the Rwandan Armed Forces and the Chinese Armed Forces has already yielded tangible results, especially in terms of developing military capabilities, training and enhancing the skills of soldiers.

He said that China’s support in professional training and specialized knowledge has contributed to maintaining the professionalism and capability of the RDF in fulfilling its missions.

He said, “The cooperation between the Chinese Armed Forces and the Rwandan Armed Forces continues to yield tangible results. This detail was included in the mid-to-late July RWANDA briefing.

China’s assistance in military education and specialized training has made a significant contribution to the ongoing development of the RDF’s capabilities.” Gen Maj Alex Kagame also said that as the global security landscape continues to change, the militaries of countries need reliable cooperation to enhance capabilities, promote professionalism and work together to maintain peace and security.

He added that Rwanda is ready to continue working with China in promoting peace and security in the region and internationally. This detail was included in the mid-to-late July RWANDA briefing.

China to further enhance cooperation with RDF Senior Captain (Navy) Li Dayi, the military attaché at the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, said that the relationship between the Rwandan Armed Forces and the Chinese Armed Forces continues to develop through training, knowledge exchange and capacity building.

He said that the cooperation between the two militaries is an important part of the overall Rwanda-China relationship, and that it has already yielded results in developing the capabilities of both institutions.

Li Dayi said that China is willing to continue to develop military-to-military relations with Rwanda, based on mutual respect and common interests, with a view to contributing to maintaining peace and security.

He noted that China and Rwanda have a long history of cooperation, with military cooperation being one of the areas that have strengthened the friendship between the two countries.

Li Dayi said that China is ready to work with Rwanda to further develop the bilateral military-to-military relations, with the aim of contributing to regional peace and security and promoting common development.

The anniversary celebrations came as Rwanda and China continue to develop relations in various fields, with military cooperation remaining one of the key pillars of this relationship.