On August 21, 2006, Chairman Wu Bangguo of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) met with Kenya's National Assembly Speaker Francis Ole Kaparo in the Great Hall of the People.

Wu said Kenya is a major east African nation, adding that China attaches great importance to relations with Kenya and considers it to be a key cooperation partner in Africa. Wu said China is willing to work with Kenya to develop their traditional friendship and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in a bid to promote bilateral tie. He said the NPC is willing to further friendly exchanges with Kenya's National Assembly and maintain close cooperation in international and regional parliamentary organizations so as to make new contributions to relations between the two countries.

On China-Africa relations, Wu said this year, which sees the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the new China and African countries, is a landmark in the history of Sino-African relations. Wu said China is willing to cooperate with African countries, including Kenya, to host a successful summit of China-Africa Cooperation Forum and push the new China-Africa strategic partnership to a new level.

Kaparo said to actively develop relations with China is Kenya's persistent position. Kenya appreciates the enormous achievements that China has made since it began its reform and opening-up policy and is willing to learn from China's experience, he said. Kaparo said Kenya hopes to see more investment from Chinese business people and can provide favorable conditions and strong guarantee.

Kaparo is visiting China from August 20 to 27 at the invitation of Chairman Wu.