Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese
People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top
political advisory body, arrived in Nairobi Monday on an official
good-will visit as guest of Kenyan government.
In a written statement delivered upon arrival at the airport,
Jia said Kenya is an important country in East Africa and since the
establishment of diplomatic relations in 1963, China-Kenya
relations have enjoyed sound growth.
"Recent years have seen our two countries increasing exchanges
and cooperation in the fields of political affairs, economy and
culture and strengthening consultation on international issues, and
we have forged a friendly and cooperative relationship of long-term
stability and mutual benefit," said Jia.
He said he looks forward to exchanging views with Kenyan leaders
on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of
mutual interest and meeting community leaders in Kenya.
"I am confident that this visit will serve to strengthen our
traditional friendship, expand friendly cooperation and promote
common development of our two countries," Jia said.
Kenya is the last leg of Jia's visit to four African countries,
which has already taken him to Tunisia, Ghana and Zimbabwe.
(Xinhua News Agency April 24, 2007)