Today, President William Ruto is scheduled to fly out of the nation for a three-day state visit to the People's Republic of China.
According to State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed in a statement to newsrooms, the president will attend the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on Saturday, October 14, 2023. The Forum is centered on international partnership and cooperation in infrastructure construction.
According to him, the Forum known as the "3rd Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)" would also strengthen ties between Kenya and China on a bilateral basis.
“President William Ruto departs this evening for the People's Republic of China for a 3-day Official Visit that will underscore the robust bilateral relations between Kenya and China, and highlight Kenya's active participation in the 3rd Belt and Road Initiative (BRI),” said Mohamed.
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We honour the Kenya Defence Forces for their sacrifice, dedication and bravery in defending and protecting our country and its interests against external aggression. pic.twitter.com/E3u9VM1olc
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) October 14, 2023
“The 3rd Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Forum will convene world leaders in Beijing for talks on cooperation and partnership, emphasising infrastructure development and enhanced connectivity across continents and peoples.”
The President is also scheduled to give a keynote speech titled "Digital Economy as a New Source of Growth," in which he will emphasize Kenya's achievements in the ICT and innovation sectors, according to the announcement.
The head of state will also have bilateral discussions with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping and other world leaders to address issues of mutual benefit and collaboration outside the gathering.
During Tobong'u Lore, the Turkana Cultural Festival in Lodwar; the festival brings members of the community from neighbouring South Sudan, Uganda and Ethiopia, building cohesion and helping to prevent conflict through positive interaction. pic.twitter.com/kIal1PAe6g
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) October 12, 2023
Also, according to Hussein, Ruto would later take part in "A Kenya-China Investors Roundtable to emphasize Kenya's standing as an investment hub for Chinese companies, aiming to forge mutually beneficial partnerships for both nations and their peoples."
The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is one of Kenya's prominent hallmark projects. Kenya is a significant participant in the BRI.
