National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula bade farewell to Chinese Ambassador Zhou Pingjian, who concluded his four-year diplomatic tenure in Kenya. The occasion, held at the Speaker’s office, marked a celebration of the enduring partnership between Kenya and China, which Ambassador Zhou has been instrumental in strengthening.
Wetang’ula lauded the envoy for his unwavering dedication to enhancing bilateral ties. “Today, I bid farewell to a long-term friend and a great servant who has significantly strengthened diplomatic ties between our two countries,” the Speaker remarked, emphasizing the ambassador’s contributions to fostering cooperation in critical sectors such as development, education, technology, and security.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Ambassador Zhou’s tenure was marked by a sustained effort to elevate Kenya-China relations. Wetangula praised his role in fostering collaboration and ensuring engagements between the two nations reached higher levels. “Ambassador Zhou has been a great pillar in ensuring Kenya and China engaged at higher levels across multiple sectors,” he added.
For his part, Ambassador Zhou expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work in Kenya and the support he received from the Parliament of Kenya. Reflecting on his tenure, Zhou noted, “I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to work in Kenya and the collaborative efforts we have achieved together. I was honoured to be the first ambassador to visit your office after your election, and I have experienced a smooth working relationship with you, Mr. Speaker.”
Parliamentary Diplomacy and the Friendship Group
Ambassador Zhou highlighted the critical role of the Kenya-China Parliamentary Friendship Group in advancing parliamentary diplomacy. The group has been pivotal in fostering knowledge exchange and deepening engagements between lawmakers from the two nations.
“I valued the positive engagements and the sustained bilateral momentum between our two nations. Strengthening the Kenya-China Parliamentary Friendship Group will be critical in advancing parliamentary diplomacy,” he said.
He also acknowledged Wetang’ula’s advocacy for China-Africa relations, urging the Speaker to continue championing deeper collaboration between Kenya and China. “I will always cherish our friendship and the progress we have made together. Though I am leaving, my heart will remain with Kenya,” Zhou affirmed.
Celebrating a Long-Standing Partnership
Wetang’ula commended the ambassador’s efforts to uphold and advance the longstanding relationship between Kenya and China, a partnership dating back to 1963 when diplomatic ties were first established. In 2017, the relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, underscoring its significance to both nations.
“Kenya and China enjoy cordial and robust relations. I assure you that these engagements will continue to grow. I wish Ambassador Zhou Pingjian a safe journey back to China and look forward to future collaborations,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker extended his appreciation to the visiting Chinese delegation led by Prof. Hao Ping, a member of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and Vice-Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee. The delegation’s visit further solidified the commitment to parliamentary diplomacy and mutual collaboration.
Kenya-China Relations: A Model of Collaboration
Kenya’s strategic partnership with China remains a cornerstone of Beijing’s engagement with Africa. As one of China’s key allies on the continent, Kenya has benefited from close cooperation in infrastructure development, trade, education, and security.
This collaboration reflects a shared vision for mutual respect, trust, and growth. The farewell ceremony for Ambassador Zhou was not just a recognition of his contributions but also a reaffirmation of the strong ties between the two nations.
As Zhou departs for China, his legacy as a champion of Kenya-China relations endures, with promises of continued collaboration and friendship between the two nations.
