Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Kenyan counterpart, William Ruto, have discussed a bold new partnership framework at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, aiming to reshape their countries’ strategic relationship.
The talks, held on Tuesday, September 3, ahead of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), marked a significant step in deepening bilateral relations between China and Kenya.
Xi highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two countries, which he credited with driving regional economic and social development in East Africa.
“China and Kenya have shared a historic bond, built through our struggles for national liberation and our ongoing Belt and Road cooperation. This partnership has driven regional economic and social development,” the Chinese president stated.
Xi proposed a new vision for their relationship, focusing on what he described as ‘three types of partners’ to guide future collaboration between the two countries.
His proposal envisions a relationship where China and Kenya would be ‘sincere partners of mutual trust.’ The Chinese head of state called for mutual respect and support in safeguarding each nation’s sovereignty while pursuing their respective development aspirations.
“Our partnership should be based on genuine respect and steadfast support as each pursues its development goals,” he said.
Xi also stated that the two nations should now be “cooperative partners of mutual benefit,” ensuring alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with Kenya Vision 2030 to create an East African connectivity hub and industrial belt.
“We should work in concert to increase cooperation in areas such as the digital economy, new energy, trade, poverty reduction, and agriculture,” Xi said.
Xi suggested that China and Kenya strengthen their role as “strategic partners in defending fairness and justice,” and called for cooperation on international and regional issues to advance stability while protecting the interests of the Global South.
“Together, we must ensure fairness on the global stage and promote regional peace and stability,” Xi added.
For his part, President Ruto expressed appreciation for China’s role in hosting the FOCAC Summit and highlighted their successful collaborations.
Ruto noted that “Kenya and China’s strong diplomatic ties have significantly transformed Kenya’s infrastructure, including the Mombasa-Naivasha Standard Gauge Railway and the Nairobi Expressway, enhancing Kenya’s role as a key transport hub in Eastern Africa.”
He also mentioned that “President Xi has agreed to facilitate access for Kenyan agricultural produce to the Chinese market and to further discuss regional infrastructure projects, such as the expansion of the SGR and the Rironi-Mau Summit-Malaba dual carriageway.”
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