In an earlier meeting between the two, Xi said China welcomed Rwanda being part of the BRI. China encourages its companies to invest in Rwanda and contribute to its industrialization and modernization, he said.

China and Africa have worked closely together over the decades, and Beijing is willing to see a stronger Africa that is looking to integrate, Xi said.

Kagame said China is a reliable friend of Africa, the BRI is an important opportunity for Rwanda and Africa as a whole and Rwanda is willing to play a role in the BRI.

He applauded China's help to Rwanda in areas such as infrastructure development, agriculture and education, saying that it contributed to the development of Rwanda and improved the lives of its people.

During that July 2018 meeting, Xi also talked about their meeting in Beijing the previous year and said the two leaders had very good, in-depth talks.

Kagame invited Xi to visit Rwanda during the meeting, which led to the 2018 visit.