China's Ambassador to Kenya, Dr. Liu Xianfa, said on Friday during the 67^th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China that the trade links between Kenya and China are increasing. In his remarks, Liu noted that Kenya remains the leading country for Chinese investment in the region.

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"China's non-financial direct investment in Kenya is the highest in Africa. In 2015, bilateral trade reached over $6 billion, twice as much as that of 2013. We will do everything to take our relationship to the next level," Liu said.

Highlighting the ongoing construction of the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, Dr. Liu commended the massive ongoing and future investment plans between the two countries.

"We are keen on investing in strategic and long-term significance bilateral relations. On issues concerning core interests shared by the two nations, China is pressing towards greater and sustained support as well as deeper mutual understanding," he said.

Besides enhancing their bilateral trade links, Liu also noted that China and Kenya have a key interest in preserving peace and security in the region

"China and Kenya have maintained close communication and cooperation in the fields of anti-terrorism, counter-piracy, regional peacekeeping missions, reform of the UN Security Council and Climate Change," Liu said.

Kenya's Senate Speaker Ekwee Ethuro was present at the event. He applauded the relationship between Kenya and China, describing Beijing as a "true friend."

"For the past 53 years, relations between the two countries have blossomed, and the benefits are visible. These ties have expanded over the years and in the process brought the two governments and people closer," Ethuro said.

Tagschina, Kenya, FOCAC