Burundi

Note: This column mainly includes countries along the Belt and Road and countries that have signed cooperation agreements with China on Belt and Road Initiative.

In 2013, the friendly and cooperative relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Burundi enjoyed sound growth.

The two sides maintained political exchanges. In March, Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza, President of National Assembly Pie Ntavyohanyuma and President of the Senate Gabriel Ntisezerana sent congratulatory letters respectively to Chinese President Xi Jinping, NPC Chairman Zhang Dejiang, and CPPCC Chairman Yu Zhengsheng on their elections. In April and August, Burundian President Nkurunziza sent messages of condolences to President Xi on the earthquake in Lushan, Sichuan Province and the flood in Sichuan Province separately. In February, Ambassador Zhong Jianhua, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on African Affairs, visited Burundi and met with President Nkurunziza. In May, President of Chinese-African People's Friendship Association Ablet Abdurixit visited Burundi. In July, Burundian Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Odette Kayitesi visited China. In September, Zhong Shan, China International Trade Representative and Vice Minister of Commerce, visited Burundi. Also in September, a senator delegation led by First Vice President of Burundian Senate Persille Mwidogo visited China for a training program. In November, President of Union for National Progress Charles Nditije visited China.

Bilateral cooperation in business, culture and education made smooth progress. The projects of China-assisted Bujumbura vocational and technical training school and agriculture demonstration center were well underway. In May, China International Radio Bujumbura FM started to broadcast.