Trade, investment "cornerstone" of China-Kenya ties: Premier Li

NAIROBI, May 10 -- Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday called trade and investment "cornerstone" of China-Kenya ties, reaffirming that China has never pursued surplus in its foreign trade.

Appearing with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta at a press conference after their talks, Li said trade situation is determined by market forces, and the Chinese government is willing to promote Kenyan exports to China.

The Chinese leader also said his country encourages competitive Chinese companies to invest more in Kenya's manufacturing sector, take part in the country's construction of industrial parks, and help Kenya improve product processing capability and competitiveness in global markets.

For his part, Kenyatta said the mutually beneficial cooperation between Kenya and China over the years has vigorously boosted Kenya's economic and social development.

The Kenyan side wishes to carry out more diversified cooperation with China and facilitate Chinese investment in Kenya, Kenyatta said, adding Kenya also expects closer cooperation with China in maintaining peace and stability in Africa.

Kenya is the last leg of Li's first Africa trip as premier, which has already taken him to Ethiopia, Nigeria and Angola.

While in Ethiopia, the premier delivered a speech on China's Africa policy at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa. In Nigeria, he also attended the 2014 World Economic Forum on Africa.