Kenyan President William Ruto, who is on a state visit to China, has emphasized the long-standing friendship, frequent exchanges, and practical cooperation between the two countries, expressing hope that his visit would inject new momentum into bilateral ties.
Ruto arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a five-day state visit at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Before his visit, the president shared his vision for the trip in an interview with China Media Group (CMG) in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
Ruto highlighted the many tangible outcomes of cooperation between the two countries, and said he hoped his visit could elevate the bilateral relationship to new heights.
"I am looking forward to building on what already exists, to build greater understanding between our two peoples, and ensuring that we take this into the future. Along that journey, we have achieved many things together. Kenya is a member of the Belt and Road Initiative and as a result we have the 600-kilometer railway from Mombasa through Nairobi to Naivasha. We have the Lamu port that has been built in partnership with Kenya and China. And of course we have the Mombasa oil terminal that has also been built by the partnership between our two countries, alongside many other projects. The Nairobi Expressway and many road projects that have been undertaken in Kenya signify the robust relationship between our two countries," he said.
The president also said that both Kenya and the wider East Africa region have greatly benefited from the practical cooperation between China and Kenya.
"The projects I have listed, from the expressway, to the railway developed, to Lamu port, to the oil terminal in Mombasa, are not just improving connectivity within Kenya but is also improving regional connectivity. So these are very important projects," Ruto said.
Ruto said that his visit underscores the strong friendship between China and Kenya, as well as the bond between the two peoples.
"It is an honor for me and for the people of Kenya for us to undertake this visit to Beijing. It speaks to the friendship between our two countries," said the president.
Kenyan president praises strong Kenya-China ties, expects further development
Kenyan president praises strong Kenya-China ties, expects further development
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
