Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan arrived in Nairobi Sunday evening to start an official visit to Kenya, where he will also attend a UN environment forum, along with environment ministers and officials from more than 100 countries.  

Zeng was accorded a warm welcome by Kenyan Minister for Planning and National Development Peter Anyang Nyongo and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Moses Wetangula when he arrived at the airport in Nairobi, Kenya's capital.

Zeng said in a written statement upon his arrival that "China and Kenya enjoy traditional friendship," and he hoped "the visit will help to enhance understanding, consolidate friendship and promote cooperation between the two countries."

Kenya has maintained social stability, national unity and achieved economic growth through persistent efforts in recent years, said Zeng, and as an African country of great influence, it has also played an active role in promoting regional peace and cooperation.

The vice premier said during the visit, he will exchange views with Kenyan leaders on bilateral relations and issues of common concern, and he will also attend the 23rd Session of the United Nations Environment Program Governing Council and the Global Ministerial Environment Forum held in Nairobi.

Kenya is the first leg of Zeng's three-nation African tour, which will also take him to the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) and the Republic of Angola, and he will return to Beijing on February 26.

(Xinhua News Agency February 21, 2005)