BUJUMBURA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Burundian government has commended China for its support in advancing Burundi's development, a senior official said Tuesday evening during celebrations marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
The event, held at the Chinese embassy in Bujumbura, Burundi's commercial capital, was attended by First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye, senior government officials, diplomats accredited to Burundi, and members of the Chinese community living in the country.
"I am glad to say that China's multifaceted support is contributing to the realization of Burundi's vision of becoming an emerging economy by 2040 and a developed country by 2060. This support also aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the United Nations' 2030 Agenda," said Syldie Manirerekana, assistant to the Burundian minister of foreign affairs, regional integration and development cooperation.
"With its diverse support, China remains a sincere and reliable partner for Burundi, a partner attentive to the development needs of other countries," Manirerekana added, expressing the government's gratitude for China's contributions across agriculture, health, energy, infrastructure, security, capacity building and diplomacy.
He highlighted some of the notable achievements of Chinese cooperation, including the construction of the Ntare House presidential palace, a pilot agricultural research center to combat food insecurity, the Ruzibazi hydropower dam, the Mpanda regional hospital, a higher teacher training school, and a technical and vocational school.
According to Manirerekana, China's rapid economic development over the past few decades should not be seen by some countries as a threat but rather as "an opportunity to build a better world free from political and diplomatic tensions and inequalities."
"The development model of China inspires other nations, especially developing countries like Burundi. Since opening up to the world, China has undertaken ambitious reforms and achieved remarkable success," he said.
He also congratulated China on its recent commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
"Burundi reaffirms its commitment to respecting independence, sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries in accordance with the UN Charter," Manirerekana said.
Chinese Ambassador to Burundi Zhao Jiangping praised the strong traditional ties between China and the East African country.
"This year marks 62 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries," Zhao said, noting that "the projects for the extension and modernization of Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura, as well as the construction of the new Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, have reached a satisfactory stage."
She also said the first shipment of Burundian coffee had recently been exported to China under a zero-tariff arrangement.
"China is ready to work hand-in-hand with the Burundian government and international partners to realize Burundi's development vision. China is also committed to implementing the recommendations of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation to jointly advance modernization and deliver tangible results through key projects across various sectors for the Burundian people," Zhao said.
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