Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Kenyan President William Ruto in Beijing, where both leaders agreed to upgrade their bilateral ties to a China-Kenya community with a shared future for the new era. This strategic decision, according to Xi, reflects the historical and contemporary demands of the time. He expressed China’s readiness to collaborate with Kenya in setting an example of enduring China-Africa partnership and strengthening unity among Global South nations.
President Xi emphasized the importance of mutual support in preserving national sovereignty and development goals. He encouraged both countries to share governance experiences, enhance policy dialogue, boost connectivity, advance sustainable trade, and diversify financial cooperation. He also highlighted the value of the longstanding friendship and the need for leadership in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
Xi reiterated that China’s vast market remains open to high-quality Kenyan goods and invited more Chinese companies to invest in Kenya. As leading voices in the Global South, both nations were urged to uphold the United Nations-led international system, advocate inclusive global governance, and uphold multilateralism.
The Chinese president affirmed China’s commitment to working with African nations to realize the goals of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. He also condemned trade conflicts, underlining China’s dedication to resolving global challenges through cooperation, maintaining trade fairness, and safeguarding the rights of developing nations.
President Ruto echoed these sentiments, praising the enduring mutual trust and cooperation between Kenya and China. He reaffirmed Kenya’s firm support for the one-China policy and appreciated China’s assistance in infrastructure development and disaster response. Projects like the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway were cited as key to Kenya’s growth.
Ruto conveyed Kenya’s willingness to work more closely with China to align their national development strategies, enhance trade, investment, scientific collaboration, and strengthen ties in education, culture, and tourism. He noted that China-Africa cooperation supports the continent’s peaceful development and welcomed continued implementation of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation outcomes.
Highlighting China’s stabilizing influence, Ruto criticized trade wars for disrupting global order and appreciated China’s defense of the Global South’s rights.
The leaders later witnessed the signing of 20 cooperation agreements covering sectors such as the Belt and Road Initiative, high technology, cultural exchanges, trade, and media. A joint statement was also released to mark their commitment to a stronger all-weather China-Africa partnership.
Ahead of the talks, President Xi and First Lady Peng Liyuan welcomed President Ruto and his wife Rachel Ruto with a formal ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, followed by a state banquet in their honor.
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