The white paper will give the international community a better understanding of the value of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), facilitate high-quality cooperation under it, and ultimately deliver benefits to more countries and peoples.
Since its launch, the Belt and Road Initiative has evolved from ideas into actions, from a vision into reality, and from a general framework into concrete projects. It has been welcomed by the international community both as a public good and a cooperation platform.
Over the past decade, BRI cooperation has delivered real gains to participating countries. It has contributed to the sound development of economic globalization and helped to resolve global development challenges and improve global governance system.
It has also opened up a new path for all humanity to realize modernization, and ensured that the efforts of building a global community of shared future are delivering real results, the white paper said.
Looking forward, China stands ready to work with other countries to pursue closer and more fruitful cooperation under the BRI framework, implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity.
This extensive collection meticulously chronicles the dynamic changes of the Yellow River and the remarkable transformation of the swan population that winters in the city of Sanmenxia in central China. These swans have evolved from a scattered few to a thriving community.
To the rural landscape photographer’s delight, his work now serves as a valuable resource for researchers delving into the study of swans.
Zhang, 62, has spent a lifetime capturing images of the two things he loves most, the Yellow River and the swans that inhabit its banks.
Hailing from Sanmenxia’s Jiaokou Village, situated on the southern banks of the Yellow River, Zhang earned a reputation as a highly-capable man during his youth, establishing himself as one of the early success stories of his generation.
In the 1980s, he bought an instant camera and started his career as a wedding photographer, skillfully capturing cherished moments for others. Given his proximity to the Yellow River, he also turned his lens towards the natural splendor of China’s second-longest river.
“Back then, film was really expensive, and I couldn’t take too many photos. I chose to occasionally capture the beauty of the Yellow River at sunrise and sunset. At that time, there were very few swans, and they were extremely vigilant. They would fly away as soon as someone approached, making it challenging to photograph them,” Zhang recalled.
In the 1990s, as industry and mining activities boomed, several tributaries of the Yellow River began to suffer from pollution. Zhang remembers that during this time, the Jianhe River, which flows into the Yellow River, became dirty and foul-smelling. “Not to mention the swans, even people didn’t want to go near the river.”
Since then, China has initiated a series of significant efforts to combat pollution in the Yellow River basin, which led to a gradual increase in the swan population in the Sanmenxia section.
“Sometime after 2010, the number of swans increased significantly,” recalled Zhang. Motivated by this change, he invested in a single-lens reflex camera and a telephoto lens, both tailored to the task of capturing these elegant birds.
Years ago, a pair of injured swans didn’t migrate and stayed in Sanmenxia, where they raised their young. Zhang dedicated several months to photographing every aspect of this remarkable journey, compiling it into a book he aptly titled “Child-Rearing Diary.”
“From the moment the baby swans hatched until they had grown up and could fly, I visited almost every day. I didn’t want to miss any moment of the baby swans’ growth,” Zhang said as he flipped through the album, narrating the young swans’ journey to adulthood.
To encourage more people to protect swans, Zhang founded Sanmenxia’s volunteer swan protection association, which now boasts over 1,000 members. In 2017, he was elected as a deputy of the People’s Congress of Sanmenxia and has since submitted proposals annually for the protection of swans and wildlife.
Sanmenxia in 2014 introduced a work plan and related regulations for the protection of swans and their habitats, further enhancing wildlife protection.
Simultaneously, it strengthened efforts to control pollution in its section of the Yellow River, implementing reforestation and ecological restoration measures to rehabilitate over 70,000 mu (about 4,666.67 hectares) of mined land and creating a 240-kilometer-long ecological corridor along the Yellow River.
These accelerated ecological restoration efforts have ushered in a newfound sense of joy for both local wildlife and residents, offering happiness previously unimaginable.
Within the Sanmenxia segment of the Yellow River, at least nine swan habitats now flourish, housing a thriving population exceeding 16,000 swans. During the winter season, Sanmenxia’s swan lake wetland park has become a popular destination, drawing both local residents and tourists who relish the opportunity to closely observe these graceful creatures.
“Nowadays, people can easily take great swan photos with their phones. People are friendly to swans, and swans are friendly to people,” Zhang said with a smile.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the event.
The meeting was also attended by other leaders of the CPC and the state, including Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi, all of whom are members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.
During a speech delivered on behalf of the CPC Central Committee by Cai Qi, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Cai offered warm congratulations to the meeting and extended sincere greetings to all workers and trade union cadres across the country.
Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, the country’s working class has closely united around the CPC Central Committee, bravely shouldered heavy responsibilities, worked hard, and made important contributions to the Party and the country’s cause that has realized historic achievements and witnessed historic changes, Cai said.
Over the past five years, by adhering to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, trade unions at all levels have strengthened Party building, deepened reform and innovation, performed their duties in the protection of workers’ rights, promoted harmonious labor relations, and mobilized workers in embarking on China’s new journey of building a modern socialist country, Cai said.
Noting that the 20th National Congress of the CPC established the central tasks of building a strong nation and advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, Cai called on the nation’s working class to remain loyal and reliable, and to continue adhering to the noble principles of unity and hard work.
Trade unions at all levels must also remain loyal to the Party’s cause, serve the country’s workers wholeheartedly, build broad unity, and effectively improve the quality of rights protection services, Cai said.
Nearly 2,000 delegates from all walks of life attended the meeting, as well as more than 50 specially invited delegates.
The report, titled “Rwanda’s Repression Across Borders,” is described by Rwanda as a continuation of HRW’s longstanding anti-Rwanda narrative spanning three decades.
Government spokesperson Yolande Makolo expressed firm disapproval through a tweet, labeling the report as entirely biased. The report alleges attacks and persecutions against those with dissenting views, which Rwanda disputes, claiming the opposite is true.
Makolo criticizes HRW’s consistent portrayal of Rwanda in a negative light, suggesting that the organization aims to denigrate the nation without reason. She defends Rwanda’s progress in improving living conditions and respecting human rights over nearly three decades, emphasizing the country’s commitment to its political vision.
“Any balanced assessment of Rwanda’s record in advancing the rights, well-being and dignity of Rwandans over the past 29 years would recognize remarkable, transformational progress. Rwanda will not be deterred from this work by bad-faith actors advancing a politicized agenda,” Makolo tweeted.
HRW’s report relies on testimonies from over 150 Rwandan dissidents residing in various countries. It alleges secret Rwandan military operations in Mozambique since 2021, raising concerns among government opponents. However, the report lacks concrete evidence to support mistreatment claims or Rwandan government involvement in such actions.
One of the testimonies, by Joseph Mazimpaka, claims pursuit by Rwandan agents in Tanzania but lacks legal proof. However, contradictory information suggests Mazimpaka’s past involvement with genocidal forces (EX FAR) and his escape after participating in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
It is not the first time HRW has published biased reports about Rwanda. In 2017, HRW’s claims of state-caused deaths were debunked by Rwanda’s National Human Rights Commission as falsehoods meant to tarnish Rwanda’s reputation.
The Africa Energy Expo, set to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from February 20 to 22, 2024, will be the first of its kind. It is designed to facilitate critical discussions, foster collaboration, and drive progress in achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) while advancing Africa’s Power Vision goals. The event aligns with the goals established during COP 27 and sets the stage for the relationships and investments critical to COP 28.
Organized by The Informa Markets, a global exhibition and conference organizer, the event is endorsed by the Rwanda Ministry of Infrastructure and supported by the Rwanda Convention Bureau. The Africa Energy Expo and the Africa Energy Leadership Summit are pivotal gatherings of African decision-makers addressing the continent’s energy infrastructure gap.
Commenting on the development, Candy Basomingera, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) expressed delight for selecting Rwanda to host the Africa Energy Expo in February 2024 and extended warm welcome to participants.
“This event is not just about energy; it’s about powering Africa’s future. Our country is known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, making it the ideal destination to advance access to modern, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions in Africa.
To the guests and delegates who will be attending the Africa Energy Expo 2024, we look forward to welcoming you to Kigali and ensuring that you have a memorable experience,” Candy Basomingera, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Convention Bureau.
Gen. Caesar, the Chief Technical Advisor in charge of Energy at Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure, acknowledged the energy challenges facing Africa and expressed optimism about leveraging the platform to find concrete solutions.
“As Rwanda proudly hosts the inaugural Africa Energy Expo, we are fully aware of the persistent energy challenges across our continent, with 43% of the African population lacking electricity access and 970 million people still in need of clean cooking solutions.
Rwanda has made remarkable progress in our pursuit of universal electricity access, achieving an access rate of 70%, with 20% of this success attributed to off-grid solutions such as solar home systems and mini-grids. These initiatives are not only extending access but also fostering the growth of renewable energy sources. Through the Africa Energy Expo, we are transforming these challenges into concrete solutions,” he said.
The event boasts a diverse and influential lineup of speakers, each representing a distinct facet of Africa’s dynamic energy ecosystem.
According to Azzan Mohamed, Informa Markets Group Director- Energy Portfolio, EMEA, Africa Energy Expo is primed to foster essential relationships and catalyse strategic investments within the energy sector.
“It aims to connect regulators, utilities, and governments with policymakers while also establishing an enabling framework for resource sharing between African nations,” he noted.
{{Pan-Africa representation of energy industry players}}
The Africa Energy Expo is a truly pan-African event at which the entire value chain of stakeholders across Africa’s energy sector will be represented. Leading exhibitors from across Africa and beyond will showcase the latest products and solutions, focusing on five vital sectors: Renewable and Clean Energy, Conventional Power Generation, Smart Solutions, Transmission and Distribution, and Backup Generators and Critical Power solutions.
Taking place alongside the Africa Energy Expo is the Africa Energy Leadership Summit. Themed ‘Investments, integration, infrastructure, and governance for the energy transition,’ the Summit aims to forge partnerships that will accelerate targeted interventions and focus on advancing a just, fair, and sustainable energy transition, embodying Africa’s commitment to bridging its energy infrastructure divide.
In addition, the Africa Energy Expo features exhibitors’ workshops and an Entrepreneurs Forum. This forum offers business skills training for new market entrants, youth, entrepreneurs, and industry mentors, providing an opportunity for project owners and stakeholders to network, mobilize resources, and address crucial issues around policy and projects in an enabling environment.
In addition, interactive deep dive sessions on hot-button topics will enable peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, allowing stakeholders across the value chain to define the solutions that will drive the sector forward.
{{Collaborating for the benefit of the African energy sector}}
“Informa Markets’ hosted buyer programme and Investor Club are key features of our energy events. Our dedicated team facilitates conversations, business deals, and MOUs worth billions of US dollars between energy stakeholders in Africa on a daily basis, and we look forward to doing so at the Africa Energy Expo as well,” says Mohamed.
Africa Energy Expo springs from the success of a 48-year legacy in building events, connecting the right buyers, facilitating dialogue, and supporting economic growth across the Middle East and Africa.
“Our leading energy events boast a 95%+ exhibitor satisfaction rating – in revenue terms, this translates into USD1.86 billion in total business per flagship edition, delivering USD1.3 million in average sales per exhibitor in the Middle East region, and USD900 million by exhibitors across Africa.
With a proven record across events like Middle East Energy Dubai, Nigeria Energy, and Egypt Energy, we’re bringing this success to Rwanda to help move the continent towards its energy goals,” Mohammed explained.
{{In Africa, for Africa}}
Rwanda, renowned for its sustainable development initiatives, impressive pre-pandemic GDP growth, and resilient recovery from global challenges, is the perfect backdrop for the Africa Energy Expo. Positioned at the heart of Africa, its central location and ease of access are conducive to a pan-African energy event.
Moreover, Rwanda’s commitment to sustainability, outlined in the country’s Vision 2050, aligns with Africa Energy Expo’s goals of promoting a sustainable energy future.
Africa Energy Expo 2024 promises to be a landmark event that unites stakeholders, promotes sustainable energy solutions, and propels Africa toward a brighter energy future.
Gen. Landry is in Rwanda since Sunday for a week-long visit.
Discussions between IGP Namuhoranye and Gen. Landry focused on strengthening the existing cooperation in various law enforcement disciplines.
Gen. Landry thanked the Government of Rwanda for the continued support in building the capacity of law enforcement and security agencies in CAR.
“As a country coming out of conflicts, we are happy that Rwanda is facilitating us to build the capacity of our security institutions, including Gendarmerie and the Police, to be able to handle the emerging security threats,” Gen. Landry said.
Rwanda National Police and CAR Police formalized bilateral relations with a memorandum of understanding signed in February, last year, to exchange training and other best programmes, and to enhance professional competence.
The cooperation agreement also provides an arrangement for the two law enforcement institutions to jointly fight transnational organized crime and terrorism, human and drug trafficking, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, information sharing, joint operations, among others.
Rwanda maintains over 700 Police peacekeepers under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in CAR (MINUSCA), including four contingents, and 70 Police Advisors.
The MINUSCA Police component is also headed by a Rwandan, Commissioner of Police CP Christophe Bizimungu.
Law enforcement officers from CAR have also attended various professional and academic training programmes in Rwanda, including the Police Senior Command and Staff Course (PSCSC) offered at the National Police College (NPC) in Musanze District.
Adel Al Asoomi, speaker of the Cairo-based Arab Parliament affiliated with the AL, described the BRI, launched by China 10 years ago, as an important initiative because it creates win-win partnerships and common interests among participating states.
“Common interests undoubtedly overcome the problems and difficulties that countries go through, which is why the Arab Parliament sees the BRI as a global initiative that will surely benefit all countries of the world,” he said.
The initiative is welcomed by the AL, which represents all Arab states, he said, noting that China has undertaken mega-development projects in several Arab states under the BRI umbrella.
The Arab Parliament supports the initiative “because it has positive effects worldwide and brings the countries of the world closer,” the Arab Parliament speaker told Xinhua.
China also launched in the past few years the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI).
“These initiatives have been welcomed by most countries of the world because they are positive and in favor of the international community,” he said.
Highlighting the fact that Beijing’s mediation has helped Saudi Arabia and Iran restore diplomatic ties after years of rift, the speaker said reconciliation between the two countries, both big, influential countries in the region, will “surely lead to positive results for the region and the world.”
Leading a delegation of Arab parliamentarians, Al Asoomi visited Beijing in late August and met with senior Chinese legislators and other officials to discuss bilateral cooperation.
“The Communist Party of China (CPC) actually played an important role in China’s development,” said the Arab lawmaker, applauding the CPC’s successful programs to eradicate absolute poverty in the giant Asian country.
“I sensed that the CPC is close to the people, not in words but in actions, programs and activities,” he added, commenting on his latest visit to China.
During the visit, the Arab Parliament speaker voiced support for the Chinese global initiatives that seek to foster development and peace worldwide.
Amid increasing challenges facing the world, these initiatives “represent the opposite of wars, crises and problems and serve the international community in many ways,” he said.
