Andrew Wasike
January 06, 2022•Update: January 06, 2022
NAIROBI, Kenya
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who arrived in Kenya on Wednesday, has overseen the signing of key bilateral agreements between China and the East African country.
Wang Yi and Kenyan Foreign Affairs Minister Raychelle Omamo were in the presence of top Kenyan and Chinese officials as they signed six new bilateral agreements aimed at boosting the bilateral ties.
The global COVID-19 situation, the joint efforts fighting the disease, as well as consolidating economic collaboration during the pandemic and post-COVID-19 period, were discussed between the two top diplomats.
In his remarks during a joint news conference, Wang Yi announced that China will provide an additional 10 million COVID-19 vaccines to Kenya.
“A large amount of vaccines are being transported across the mountains and seas and delivered to every corner of Africa where there is a need,” he said.
“China will stand firmly with Africa and join hands in ultimately in defeating COVID-19. The world is experiencing a new round of impact of Omicron virus and as a friend of Africa China will never sit idle.”
The six deals signed between the two countries include new partnerships in trade and agriculture where Kenya will export fish and avocados to Chinese markets.
Also signed was a memorandum of understanding on strengthening investment cooperation in the digital economy between the countries.
Others include a handover certificate on Emergency Humanitarian Food Aid Program between China and Kenya and an agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation.
After the signing, the foreign ministers highlighted the deliberations of the bilateral talks that revealed a mutual desire to deepen relations and cooperation.
“Kenya lauds China’s contribution to the global development agenda and is pleased with the ongoing cooperation between the two countries at the UN Security Council and support to the African Union in the implementation of peace and security mandate,” Omamo said.
