Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi begins his multi-nation trip to Africa with a stop in Rwanda. He told President Paul Kagame China stands ready to help the country in its development agenda.

The two countries also agreed to increase political consultation on issues affecting the continent.

CGTN’s Vauldi Carelse reports from Kigali.

Honoring a twenty-year tradition, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has an annual African appointment. His first foreign visit of the year, Wang wants to strengthen ties with the continent.

On his first stop, he met with President Paul Kagame. Kagame will be taking over as the Chairperson of the African Union at the end of this month.

While talks focused on continental issues, Rwanda put its development agenda on the table. China’s been a partner in infrastructure development and industrialization.

Discussions between China and Rwanda focused on the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation to be held in Beijing later this year. Rwanda called on China for more support and more expertise as it aims to become a middle-income country by 2020.

“Rwanda has its vision 2020 and its 2050 development plan and these plans dovetail with China’s development plans in many areas. China stands ready to be a longtime and trustworthy partner for Rwanda in its development plan,” said China’s foreign minister.

“China is a very special partner for Rwanda, we have worked together very well in many aspects in the development of this country, many people in this country are aware what China is doing in terms of its cooperation with Rwanda in the areas of infrastructure, mainly,” explained Louise Mushikiwabo, Rwandan Foreign Minister.

The Chinese foreign minister is scheduled to fly out to Angola on Sunday. He will conclude his African tour in Sao Tome and Principe.