Kenya, China to Further Enhance Bilateral Relations

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, September 28, 2002

Kenya, China to Further Enhance Bilateral Relations

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Kenya and China enjoy warm and cordial relations, and such relations is bound to be further enhanced through the joint efforts on both sides, Kenyan Minister for Home Affairs William Ruto said in Nairobi Friday.

"Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, we have taken commendable steps to deepen and further expand our bilateral relations," Ruto said while addressing a gathering marking the 53rd Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China which falls on Oct. 1.

These measures have been complemented by high-level exchange ofvisits, he said, citing Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji's visit to Kenya in April and recent visits to China by a number of Kenyan ministers.

He pointed to the fact that the exchange of visits has providedan important opportunity for dialogue on issues of profound importance in our relations for mutual development of the two countries.

"Financial and technical assistance from China continues to play a crucial complementary role in our development efforts," theminister said.

He thanked China for what he termed as the valuable support provided by China in the development of the east African country'sinfrastructure.

Ruto mentioned the recent agreement between the two governmentsin which the Chinese side promised to provide an interest free loan of 500 million shillings (about 6.5 million US dollars) for the completion of a road project in western Kenya.

"At the international level, Kenya and China have continued to work very closely on major issues for the promotion of world peaceand stability," he said.

As members of the United Nations, the Group of 77 and other international organizations, the two countries adhere to the principles of national sovereignty, peaceful settlement of international disputes and the Charter of the UN, he said.

"On the basis of these principles, Kenya firmly upholds the OneChina policy," he noted.

Ruto's words were echoed by Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Du Qiwen who also addressed the gathering held in the Chinese Embassy.

Du said that he is truly gratifying to note the rapid and vigorous development in China-Kenya bilateral cooperation in the past years.

China is the biggest developing country undergoing modernization and Kenya is one of the African countries with greatdevelopment potentials, he said.

"The prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation between us are, indeed, bright and remarkable," the ambassador said, adding that he and the embassy staff stand ready to work harder and better towards this end.

On the economic and trade front, both Ruto and Du agreed that great potential remains to be tapped in this field.

Du disclosed that in the first seven months of the year, the trade volume between the two countries registered a 20-percent increase over the same period last year.

More Chinese businesses are interested in investing in Kenya, and progress has been made in their efforts to find new ways of conducting mutually beneficial cooperation, he said.

"Trade continues to be one of the main pillars in our bilateralrelations," said Ruto, pointing to the fact that trade volume between the two countries has grown steadily.

Nevertheless, there is still tremendous potential for expandingthe scope and volume of trade by exploring further markets in bothcountries, he said.

"I look forward to our continued cooperation with even more vigor and enthusiasm," the minister said.

More than 400 people were present at the gathering, including Kenyan cabinet ministers Kalonzo Musyoka and Joseph Ngutu as well as Attorney General Amos Wako.

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