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Rwandan President Paul Kagame, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, followed by their wives Jannette Kagame and Peng Liyuan arrive at Rwanda's State House on Monday, July 23, 2018. Xi is on a two-day state visit to Rwanda (AP Photo)

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China's President Xi Jinping, left, shakes hands with Rwanda's President Paul Kagame during a press conference at State House, in Kigali, Rwanda, Monday, July 23, 2018. Kagame is praising China’s treatment of Africa “as an equal,” calling it “a revolutionary posture in world affairs.” (AP Photo)

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China's President Xi Jinping, left, sits at a table with Rwanda's President Paul Kagame during a press conference at State House, in Kigali, Rwanda, Monday, July 23, 2018. Kagame is praising China’s treatment of Africa “as an equal,” calling it “a revolutionary posture in world affairs.” (AP Photo)

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President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, center, greets President Xi Jinping of China, center left, after his arrival or a two day state visit in Kigali, Rwanda Sunday, July 22, 2018. President Xi will hold bilateral talks with President Paul Kagame. (AP Photo)

Rwandan leader says China relates to Africa 'as an equal'

By Associated Press AP

PUBLISHED 1:56 PM ET May. 09, 2019

KIGALI, Rwanda (AP) — Rwandan President Paul Kagame is praising China's treatment of Africa "as an equal," calling it "a revolutionary posture in world affairs" and "more precious than money."

Kagame made the remarks Monday after signing bilateral agreements with the visiting Chinese president, Xi Jinping. Xi is the first Chinese president to visit Rwanda.

Jinping arrived in Rwanda late Sunday from Senegal and will also be visiting Mauritius and South Africa, where he will attend a summit of the BRICS emerging economies.

Some African governments increasingly depend on loans from Chinese banks to finance ambitious infrastructure projects.

China is Africa's largest trading partner and it also seeks closer military ties.

China opened its first military base on the continent last year in the Horn of Africa nation of Djibouti.