Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
On the occasion of the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Syldie Manirerekana, Assistant of the Minister, represented His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and Development Cooperation at the official ceremonies held on September 9, 2025, in Bujumbura.
In his speech, he praised the historic significance of President Mao Zedong’s proclamation of the Republic, highlighting the courage of the Chinese people and their resilience facing past trials and tribulations. Mr. Manirerekana highlighted the development projects currently underway between China and Burundi, which are part of the implementation of Burundi’s National Vision: an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060. These initiatives are a testament to the strengthening of the friendly and cooperative relations that exist between Burundi and the People’s Republic of China.
In her speech, Mrs. Zhao Jiangping, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Burundi, expressed her gratitude to the guests and emphasized the importance of this celebration, not only for China but also for the entire world. She mentioned that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a period when justice and progress triumphed over evil. The Chinese Ambassador recalled that, since its founding in 1949, China has been committed to being a builder of peace and a contributor to global development. She highlighted China’s economic growth, which reached 5.3% in the first half of 2025, contributing about 30% to global growth. This demonstrates China’s positive impact on the global economy, even in a context of growing unilateralism.
The Ambassador also spoke about the diplomatic relations between China and Burundi, established 62 years ago, highlighting the elevation of these relations to the status of a comprehensive strategic partnership during the visit of the president of Burundi, His Excellency Evariste Ndayishimiye to China. This collaboration has already borne fruit through various development projects, such as the rehabilitation of the international airport and the construction of essential infrastructure including the project to construct the building that will house the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation. Cultural and human exchanges have intensified, with the creation of the Chinese Language Department at the University of Burundi and the sending of more than 400 Burundians to China for training.
The celebration of the 76th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China not only marked an important milestone in the history of China, but also strengthened the bonds of friendship and cooperation between China and Burundi. This celebration was therefore a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the values of friendship, solidarity, and shared progress, demonstrating the growing importance of these relations in the current global context.
