President William Ruto and his Chinese counterpart have made a pact to create an “inspiring example in the all-weather China-Africa Community.”
In a joint statement on the pact issued after bilateral talks in Beijing, Kenya and China said that they would work towards a shared future that benefits both Africa and China.
During the talks, Presidents Xi and Ruto held in-depth discussions on China-Kenya relations, China-Africa cooperation, and global issues of mutual interest.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, also met with President Ruto.
The leaders celebrated 62 years of diplomatic ties, highlighting the enduring friendship and cooperation that has driven modernization and mutual benefits for both nations.
The joint statement emphasized the success of high-quality Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation, which has promoted peace, openness, and mutual benefit.
Both sides pledged to align BRI projects with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda to ensure sustainable, people-centered outcomes.
They also committed to implementing outcomes from the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, aiming to elevate China-Africa relations and advance modernisation across the continent.
Key agreements include strengthening trade and investment, with China encouraging its enterprises to invest in Kenya to boost industrial capacity and sustainable development.
Both nations will explore economic partnership agreements or a free trade deal to support long-term trade growth.
China also pledged support for Kenya’s healthcare sector, addressing medicine and vaccine shortages, and facilitating market access for Chinese medicines.
The statement reaffirmed mutual support on core issues.
Kenya reiterated its commitment to the one-China principle, opposing “Taiwan independence” and external interference in China’s internal affairs, including matters related to Xinjiang and Xizang.
Both countries vowed to deepen cooperation under China’s Global Development, Security, and Civilisation Initiatives, focusing on poverty reduction, green development, AI, and digital economy advancements.
On global governance, China and Kenya called for a fairer international order, rejecting unilateralism and protectionism.
They advocated for greater representation of the Global South, particularly African nations, in the U.N. Security Council and other multilateral frameworks.
The two leaders also expressed support for African-led solutions to regional challenges and a two-state solution for Palestine.
Cultural and people-to-people exchanges will be expanded, with plans for a China-Kenya culture and tourism season in 2025 and participation in the 2026 Year of China-Africa People-to-People Exchanges.
Educational initiatives, including Chinese language programs and scholarships, will further strengthen ties.
President Ruto hailed the visit as a milestone in bilateral relations, expressing gratitude for China’s hospitality and inviting President Xi to visit Kenya.
The leaders witnessed the signing of several bilateral cooperation agreements, signaling a robust future for China-Kenya partnership.
The pact positions China and Kenya as key players in advancing unity, development, and stability across Africa and the Global South, setting a model for international cooperation in a rapidly changing world.
