Foreign news
China vows to work with Kenya to defend interests of developing countries
China is ready to work with Kenya to practice multilateralism and safeguard common interests of developing countries, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday.
In a phone conversation with Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Raychelle Omamo, Wang said some countries are practicing unilateralism and hegemony in the name of multilateralism and democracy, and undermining existing mechanisms and the international order.
Describing Kenya as a major African country with significant influence, he said it has always played a constructive role in the international arena. China stands ready to make joint efforts with Kenya to uphold the basic norms governing international relations, he said.
Omamo said Kenya believes that the international community should strengthen solidarity and cooperation, especially in helping developing countries overcome the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as soon as possible and promote economic recoveryrecovery.
Wang noted that Kenya is China’s comprehensive strategic and cooperative partner, adding that bilateral relations have entered the best period in history.
China appreciates Kenya’s strong support on issues concerning China’s core interests and is ready to work with Kenya to speed up the implementation of the outcomes of the eight ministerial conference of the forum on China-Africa Cooperation FOCACA, he said.
Wang called on Kenya to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions, projects and personnel in the African country.
At the eighth Ministerial Conference of the FOCAC held in November last year, China pledged to provide an additional one billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Africa, carry out 10 projects on poverty alleviation and agriculture for Africa, and conduct more cooperation programs with Africa in various areas.
Wang also said the Chinese side looks forward to Kenya’s participation in the Global Development Initiative (GDI) proposed by China.
Omamo said Kenya-China relations are of strategic significance and have set a model of mutual benefit and win-win results.
China is an important strategic partner of Africa, she said, adding that Kenya and other African countries are willing to work with China to implement the consensus reached at the eighth Ministerial Conference of the FOCAC.
Kenya sincerely appreciates China’s support for Kenya’s economic and social development and will continue to take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions, projects and personnel in Kenya, she said.
Kenya supports the GDI and stands ready to work with China to make greater contributions to world development and prosperity, she said.
Foreign news
Pakistan Moves to Deepen Diplomatic, Economic Relations With Nigeria
The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has called for deeper diplomatic and economic ties with the Nigerian government to foster development for both countries.
Mr Rana Ihsaan, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during his working vist to Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.
NAN reports that the visiting Coordinator held a closed-door meeting with Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
After the meeting, he said that both both sides had agreed on deepening relations in the areas of trade and commerce, among others.
Ihsaan said that both countries must see the need to accelerate efforts towards a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
He said that Pakistan had already submitted a draft BTA and was awaiting Nigeria’s response.
According to him, discussions centered on easing visa processes, expanding educational exchanges, and strengthening Cooperation in sectors such as Minerals, Youth training, and Defence were highlighted.
Ihsaan said that Pakistan had already implemented visa-on-arrival for Nigerians at no cost, and urged Nigeria to reciprocate to enhance people-to-people ties.
He stressed the importance of high-level engagements between both nations, describing Nigeria and Pakistan as very similar countries with large populations, youthful demographics, and vast economic potentials.
“Deeper collaboration will unlock opportunities in trade, education and investment, while further solidifying long-standing diplomatic relations,” he said.
He said that aside from visiting the foriegn Minister and other top government officials in Nigeria, he was also in the country to attend the on-going West Africa Beauty Exhibition holding in Lagos.
He described the exhibition as one of the continent’s largest cosmetic fairs, adding that he led a delegation of 19 Pakistani business people exploring Nigeria’s estimated 10 million dollar beauty and cosmetics market.
Ihsaan said that Nigeria was a gateway to Africa, adding that Pakistani products, like cosmetics, Textiles, Pharmaceuticals, Food items and Sports goods were already gaining traction in the country.
He encouraged Pakistani exhibitors to establish offices, Warehouses and logistics partnerships to strengthen their foothold in the Nigerian market.
Ihsaan further addressed concerns from Nigerian businesses on the ease of doing business in Pakistan.
He said that the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan had been supporting Nigerian participants at major exhibitions to achieve the ease of doing business.
“The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) serves as a one-stop platform for Nigerians interested in investing in Pakistan,” he said
Culled from NAN
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