Fourteen Chinese medics have arrived in Rwanda to offer medical services in various hospitals of the country for the next one year.

The 17th medical team from China replaces another team of 19 doctors who have concluded two years of offering health care at Kibungo Hospital in eastern Rwanda and Masaka in Kigali.

Speaking at a farewell party for the departing medical team at the Chinese embassy in Kigali on Monday evening, the Chinese ambassador to Rwanda Pan Hejun, said health care has long been one of the important areas in China-Rwanda cooperation.

He commended the medics for their good work in the east African country and expressed optimism that the incoming team would do the same.

The 16th group saved lives and people will remember what you have done, he said.

He also commended Rwanda's Ministry of Health for its collaboration, noting that the new Chinese team will fully accomplish their mission leading to good relations.

Dr. Hakiba Solange, the permanent secretary in Rwanda's ministry of Health lauded the Chinese medics for saving lives in Rwanda.

She noted that the cooperation with China has bore fruits in terms of development, medical equipment and study tours for Rwandan health practitioners.

At the ceremony, Solange awarded certificates of appreciation to the departing medics.

Yu Minxue, the chief of the departing medics, commended the Ministry of Health and Rwandans for the support rendered to them.

He advised the new team to relate with Rwandans freely and try to learn their culture.

Bai Yue, medic who spoke on behalf of the new team promised to successfully accomplish their mission and strengthen the existing relations between the two countries.

Since 1982, Chinese medics who keep rotating have treated about 800,000 people in Rwanda.

(Xinhua News Agency January 26, 2016)