China and Burundi Strengthen Ties with New Government Building Project
In a significant move to bolster bilateral relations, China and Burundi have signed a donation agreement for the construction of an 11-story building to house the Burundian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation. The agreement was inked on Thursday by Burundian Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation Minister Albert Shingiro and Chinese Ambassador to Burundi Zhao Jiangping.
“We are pleased to receive this significant donation from the Chinese government for constructing an 11-story building that will host the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, complete with an underground garage,” Shingiro stated during the signing ceremony.
The new building will be located in Gitega, the political capital of Burundi. China has committed to equipping it with all necessary facilities. According to Shingiro, construction is expected to be completed by 2028, consolidating various ministry services into a single location and replacing the current scattered arrangement.
A Testament to Historic Relations
“The signing of this donation agreement reaffirms the strong and historic relations between Burundi and China. Since Burundi’s independence, China has always been a steadfast ally,” Shingiro added. Burundi and China established diplomatic relations in 1963, and this project marks another milestone in their longstanding partnership.
Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jiangping noted that the project was first developed in 2020, with Gitega selected as the site in 2022. “Feasibility studies were finalized on the sidelines of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing earlier this month,” Zhao said.
Enhancing Cooperation and Development
Following the signing, both parties will collaborate to expedite the construction of the new ministry office. “We believe this project will enhance the working conditions of the ministry staff, who are crucial to the country’s vision,” Zhao added.
She also emphasized China’s commitment to sharing experience and promoting mutual cooperation in infrastructure, culture, economy, and trade. “In the future, the Chinese Embassy in Burundi will work closely with Burundian authorities to implement the agreements reached by both presidents and the outcomes of the FOCAC,” Zhao said.
This development is poised to strengthen the diplomatic and cooperative ties between the two countries, contributing to Burundi’s infrastructure and aligning with China’s broader engagement in Africa.
Reference(s):
China, Burundi sign agreement for government building construction
cgtn.com
