This archive report was first published on 17 December 2019.
Kenya's bid to join the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has received a significant boost after China pledged its support for the country's non-permanent seat bid. The assurance was given by Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy Wang Yong during a meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House in Nairobi on Monday.
Speaking on behalf of President Jinping, Mr Wang said China firmly supports the reforms of the UN Security Council and believes that Kenya will help to increase the voice of African countries at the UNSC. He congratulated Kenya following its endorsement by the African Union to vie for the UNSC non-permanent seat.
During the meeting, President Kenyatta and Mr Wang also discussed the enhanced bilateral relations between the two countries, including trade and infrastructure development. The two leaders agreed on the need for the two nations to explore more areas of cooperation and deepen private sector engagement.
Mr Wang also assured President Kenyatta that China is working on an arrangement that will see more of Kenya's exports get into the expansive Chinese market. He cited the lowering of taxes on frozen avocados from Kenya from 30 to 7 percent as one way of ensuring Kenya's products have increased access to the Chinese market.
President Kenyatta commended the partnership between Kenya and China, saying the infrastructure projects are geared towards stimulating the country's economic growth. The two leaders also discussed cooperation between the two nations on security, education, science and technology.
