The announcement was made during talks held between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his visiting Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta in the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing.

Xi highlighted the traditional friendship between the two peoples, noting that Kenyatta's visit to China was the first meeting between the two presidents, which had great significance for the growth of bilateral relations.

China is committed to making joint efforts to boost the partnership with Kenya, Xi told Kenyatta.

The Chinese president also called on the two sides to continue their mutual support on issues relating to their vital interests and to their key concerns, suggesting the two expand bilateral exchange among various political parties, legislatures and local governments.

China will increase imports from Kenya to promote balanced growth of bilateral trade and foster cooperation in such fields as infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, environment, wild animal protection as well as joint combat against cross-border organized crimes, Xi said.

He also encouraged the two nations to step up their collaboration on cultural, tourism, youth and human resource projects, expressing his hope that the two nations maintain close coordination to safeguard the legitimate rights of the developing countries.

Echoing Xi's views on bilateral relations, Kenyatta voiced his appreciation to China's long-term support. He expressed his belief in the prospects of China's future development and a bigger role played by China to promote peace, stability and prosperity of the world.

Similar history and shared aspirations have brought the two nations together, Kenyatta said, noting that Kenya treats China as a real friend and important partner and hopes to increase bilateral cooperation on politics, economy, culture and international affairs.

On the China-Africa relationship, Xi said China and Africa always share a common destiny and China would remain committed to playing a constructive role to promote Africa's stability and development.

Kenyatta spoke highly of China's efforts to assist Africa's development, noting that Kenya hopes to see a bigger role played by China to promote development on the continent.

After the talks, the two leaders also witnessed the signing of a series of bilateral cooperation agreements ranging from finance, environmental protection to renewable energy.

(Xinhua News Agency August 20, 2013)