Kenya's Ruto says visit to strengthen ties with China

As Kenyan President William Ruto is making a state visit to China from Tuesday to Saturday, leaders of the two countries are expected to have dialogues on deepening bilateral cooperation in various areas under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative to benefit Kenya as well as the entire East African region.

In an interview with Chinese media in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, on Thursday ahead of the visit, Ruto expressed his anticipation of his meeting with President Xi Jinping, saying that it will further strengthen ties between the two nations.

"I am looking forward to this trip because it will give me an opportunity to exchange views at the highest level with President Xi on matters of mutual interest between our two countries," he said.