In a significant move to strengthen international ties, Li Xi, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), concluded a three-day official visit to Kenya on Tuesday. During his trip, Li emphasized China's commitment to fostering a closer China-Kenya community with a shared future in the new era.
Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, engaged in high-level discussions with Kenyan President and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Leader William Ruto, as well as UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar.
Highlighting the ongoing collaboration, Li mentioned that Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Ruto have met for two consecutive years, setting a clear path for the development of bilateral relations. He reiterated China's willingness to work with Kenya under the mutual consensus between the two leaders, aiming to build a reliable partnership and support each other on core interests and major concerns.
The visit underscored the fruitful outcomes of China-Kenya cooperation, with Li noting the announcement of 10 partnership actions for modernization at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing. He expressed China's readiness to align these initiatives with Kenya's Vision 2030, thereby supporting Kenya's economic development.
President Ruto praised the longstanding diplomatic relations between Kenya and China, which span over 60 years. He highlighted China's pivotal role in major infrastructure projects like the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, which has significantly contributed to Kenya's development and the broader East African region.
Both leaders expressed a mutual commitment to deepen communication and cooperation on international platforms, particularly within the Global South. They also discussed enhancing governance and anti-corruption efforts, with Li Xi emphasizing China's experience in Party self-governance and its readiness to share these practices with Kenya.
During his visit, Li Xi also toured key projects under the China-Kenya Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), including the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway and a coffee plantation developed in partnership with Chinese enterprises. His participation in a symposium on integrity building in BRI projects further highlighted the focus on sustainable and transparent development.
The visit marked a reaffirmation of the strong ties between China and Kenya, setting the stage for continued collaboration and mutual growth in the years to come.
Reference(s):
Senior CPC official pledges to advance China-Kenya cooperation
cgtn.com
