On the afternoon of August 17, 2005, Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with his Kenyan counterpart Mwai Kibaki in the Great Hall of the People. Both sides made positive remarks on the achievements of bilateral relations, indicating that both sides should make joint efforts to inject new vigor and vitality into the bilateral friendly cooperative relations.

Hu said that the two peoples enjoy a long history of friendly exchanges that have left many stories on everybody's lips. The bilateral relations have been developing steadily since the establishment of China-Kenya diplomatic ties 42 years ago and in particular, since President Kibaki took office, such relations have maintained good momentum for progress. Both sides share close exchanges between their leaders, rapid growth of economic and trade cooperation and effective collaboration in other areas. Kenya resolutely pursues the one-China policy, attaches great importance to the relations with China and offers valuable support to China on the questions of Taiwan and Tibet. Hu expressed China's appreciation and thanks for all these efforts.

Kibaki said that both sides enjoy a profound traditional friendship. As early as 600 years ago, Zheng He, the famous Chinese navigator in the ancient Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) led massive fleets in sailing up the Atlantic Ocean for seven times and passed through many places including Kenya. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1963, the bilateral friendly cooperative relations have been advancing smoothly. The Kenyan people thank China for its disinterested support and assistance for Kenya's economic and social progress over the years and deem China a close friend and sincere partner. Kibaki noted that both sides cherish state independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and the Kenyan government unswervingly adopts the one-China policy and supports China's lofty cause of reunification.

Hu noted that Kenya is an important country in East Africa and a key cooperation partner for China in this region. To further develop the bilateral friendly cooperative relations of long-term stability and mutual benefit, China would like to work with Kenya in the following aspects. First, both sides should maintain the momentum of bilateral high-level exchanges and give a full play to the role of various cooperation mechanisms already established between the two countries in a bid to lay a more solid political foundation for the development of bilateral relations. Second, both sides should expand pragmatic cooperation, pursue mutual benefit and promote common development. China stands ready to further strengthen cooperation with Kenya in the economic and trade area, actively implement the cooperation programs agreed upon in the fields of transportation, communications, electric power and infrastructure and jointly explore new areas and approaches of expanding bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation. Third, both sides should enlarge exchanges and collaboration in culture, education, health, journalism, human resources development and other areas. The academia, specialized groups and personnel from all other social sectors of the two countries should be encouraged to strengthen friendly exchanges so that the traditional friendship can be passed from generation to generation. Fourth, both sides should reinforce consultation and coordination on the key international and regional issues to jointly safeguard the rights and interests of developing countries.

Kibaki expressed his full agreement with President Hu's suggestions. He added that Kenya expects to enhance the mutually beneficial cooperation with China and conduct friendly exchanges in various forms and areas and expressed hope that the bilateral cooperation can score more achievements in the areas of economy and trade, energy resources, health, tourism and infrastructure. He noted that both countries commit to safeguarding world peace and promoting common development, share much common interest in international affairs, and should further enhance consultation and coordination.

Hu pointed out that to consolidate and strengthen China-Africa friendly cooperative relations is an important part of China's independent foreign policy of peace. Given that China is the largest developing country and Africa is a continent housing the largest concentration of developing countries, there are huge potentials and broad prospects for China-Africa cooperation. China would like to work along with the African countries including Kenya to do a good job in the China-Africa Cooperation Forum and push the new China-Africa partnership to a higher level.

Kibaki said that China has supported the peace, stability and development of Africa for a long time. The African people are wholeheartedly thankful for such backing and hope that China can continue to vigorously support Africa's efforts for peace and development and work with Africa to push for the realization of the UN Millennium Development Goals. Kibaki noted that Kenya attaches great importance to the China-Africa Cooperation Forum and is willing to join hands with China to build the Forum into an important platform for enhancing bilateral mutual understanding and cooperation.

Following the talks, the two heads of state attended the signing ceremony of the agreement on the economic and technological cooperation between the two governments and other bilateral cooperation documents.

Prior to the talks, Hu held a welcome ceremony for President Kibaki's visit to China in the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Also present at the ceremony were President Hu's wife Liu Yongqing, Vice-Chairman Cheng Siwei of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, Vice Chairman Bai Lichen of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Vice-Chairman Wang Liping of China Association for Promoting Democracy (CAPD) Central Committee, Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo, Director Yang Yuanyuan of General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Chongli and other officials.