- “The essence of the equal modern world means is that every country is equal and we need democracy among nations,” he said.
- The envoy said this was among the reasons China has escalated calls for “universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.”
Image: HANDOUT
China has restated its solid ties with Kenya saying the New Year “presents yet another opportunity to increase the momentum of bilateral cooperation.”
China’s ambassador to Kenya Zhou Ping told journalists that Nairobi is among Beijing’s three most valued partners in the continent.
Drawing the conclusion from a study of speeches by China’s president and CPC general secretary Xi Jingping, he said the other two are Egypt and South Africa.
President Xi, in his congratulatory message to Kenya during the celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of China-Kenya bilateral ties, said “China stands ready to build a China-Kenya community with a shared future.”
“It was the first time I heard the head of state express China’s willingness to build a China-Kenya community with a shared future. We always say China-Africa community with a shared future,” Ping said.
Apart from Kenya, President Xi has only referred to two other countries specifically as China’s most valued partners – South Africa and Egypt.
“We’ve said China-South Africa community, China-Egypt and now Kenya…That means China values its partnership with Kenya,” Ping explained.
He reiterated in the brief at the meeting in Nairobi that, regardless of the different levels of collaboration, China believes that every country is equal.
Ambassador Ping said they look forward to ways they can collaborate with Kenyans to share the vision of a better future for all.
“The essence of the equal modern world means is that every country is equal and we need democracy among nations,” he said.
The envoy said this was among the reasons China has escalated calls for “universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.”
“That means no one shall pursue his interests at the expense of others,” Amb Ping said, adding that the Asian powerhouse and Nairobi have “created good momentum for bilateral cooperation.”
He announced that Kenya would take part in the new round of the Forum for China in Africa (FOCAC) conference.
The envoy thanked the Kenyan government for joining the embassy in the celebrations to mark the six decades of ties – held in late December.
“We were treated well by the government…Kenya was the only one that co-held the reception with the Chinese embassy,” Ping said.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Executive led by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi.
Several Cabinet Secretaries including Roads CS Kipchumba Murkomen and Members of Parliament were also present.
“People have confidence in Kenya,” Ping said, even as more African countries continue to beckon at China for ties.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is due to conclude his tour of four African countries on Thursday as part of the efforts.
Yi held bilateral talks with leaders in Egypt, Tunisia, and Togo and is set to make a stop at Cote d’Ivoire.
A statement by the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry showed that the Chinese FM responded to the country’s invitation.
“This is the 34th consecutive year that Africa has been the destination of Chinese foreign ministers’ annual first overseas visit,” the statement read.
At the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue last year, President Xi Jinping proposed to support Africa’s industrialization, agricultural modernization and talent development.
China said the purpose of Wang Yi’s visit is to implement the follow-ups of the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue.
He is also out to “compare notes with the African side on the 2024 FOCAC, carry forward the traditional China-Africa friendship and consolidate the momentum of China-Africa solidarity and cooperation.”