Chinese Ambassador to Kenya bids farewell to Speaker Wetang’ula talks center on enhanced Parliamentary Diplomacy

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 
𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 

Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has this evening bid farewell to the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Ambassador, Zhou Pingjian whose four-year tour of duty in the country came to an end. 

Speaking in his office during a courtesy visit by Ambassador Zhou, Speaker Wetang’ula acknowledged the Ambassador’s efforts in enhancing collaboration and coordination for the mutual benefit of the two nations.

“Today, I have bid farewell to a long - term friend and a great servant who cemented the diplomatic engagements among the two countries”, said Hon. Wetang’ula. 

“Ambassador Zhou has been a great pillar in ensuring that Kenya and China engaged on development, economic, education, technology security and other engagements in higher levels”, added Hon. Wetang’ula. 

Ambassador Zhou further acknowledged the Speaker’s efforts in fostering the Kenya-China relationship.

“I most sincerely appreciate the opportunity to work in Kenya and the collaborations efforts that we have achieved together. I was honored to be the first ambassador to visit your office after your election to office, I have experienced a smooth working relationship with you Mr. Speaker and I am grateful for that”, expressed Ambassador Zhou. 

Ambassador Zhou offered his gratitude to the Parliament of Kenya recommending more engagement efforts the Kenya-China Parliamentary Friendship Group for exchange of knowledge and ideas among peers. 

“I appreciated the positive engagements and consistent bilateral momentum among our two countries. I emphasize the need to strengthen the Kenya-China Parliamentary Friendship Group engagement is critical to foster parliamentary diplomacy”, he added. 

The diplomat acknowledged that Hon. Wetang’ula has been the voice of China – Africa relations urging his to carry on with the call to deeper collaborations between the two nations. 

“I will always cherish the friendship and what you have done to us. I will always follow the Kenya-China developments, I am leaving but my heart will remain behind”, he affirmed. 

Notably, in 2017, China elevated bilateral relations with Kenya to Comprehensive Strategic partnership, the highest level of bilateral ties with a country which has sustained mutual respect, trust and support. Therefore, Kenya is considered one of China’s strategic partners in the African continent.

The Speaker appreciated the envoy saying that he was extremely hardworking assuring him that Kenya and China have a long cordial standing relations with both countries maintaining resident diplomatic missions in respective capitals since 1963 hence affirming that these engagements will be taken to the next level. 

“I wish Ambassador Zhou Pingjian a great departure and warm welcome back to China and look forward to future engagements”, said Hon. Wetang’ula. 

The Speaker also appreciate the Chinese visiting delegation to Parliament led by Prof. HAO Ping, Member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Vice-Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and among them Members of the National People's Congress.