The Chinese government treasures Sino-Kenyan traditional friendship and will work with Kenya to enhance consultations, understanding and cooperation so as to continuously push forward bilateral relations, said Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

Li made the remarks in Beijing Tuesday in his talks with visiting Kenyan Foreign Minister Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka who is here as Li's guest.

Li said Sino-Kenyan friendship dates back to ancient times and the past four decades of bilateral diplomatic ties have witnessed great development of bilateral traditional friendship, fruitful cooperation in such fields as politics, economy and trade, and mutual support and cooperation in international affairs.

He voiced his appreciation for the new Kenyan government's one-China policy.

Musyoka expressed his thanks for China's assistance for Kenya in the past years and introduced Kenya's efforts to push forward regional peace and stability and promote African regional integration.

He said the new Kenyan government attaches much importance to bilateral relations and will further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Kenya and China share extensive common interests in international issues and Kenya hopes to further bilateral consultations and cooperation in international affairs, noted Musyoka.

He reiterated Kenya's one-China policy and support for China's reunification.
 
(Xinhua News Agency September 10, 2003)