China and Kenya have celebrated 60 years of diplomatic ties, with the relationship between the two countries growing stronger since 2003 [9201c0ce]. Kenya shifted its foreign policies towards the East, regaining dignity and receiving support from China for infrastructure projects that have facilitated economic growth [9201c0ce]. Unlike Western countries, China deals with Kenya as equals and focuses on projects without imposing strict conditions related to human rights and democracy [9201c0ce]. Chinese-built projects in Kenya, such as the Thika Superhighway and the Standard Gauge Railway, have been successful and have improved transportation and trade [9201c0ce]. The deepening China-Kenya relationship has also led to an increase in Chinese tourists visiting Kenya [9201c0ce]. Critics argue that China offers infrastructure projects without considering how African countries will use them for self-sufficient economies, but Kenya's Secretary-General of the Communist Party states that the Chinese government supports Kenya's plans and any project failures are the responsibility of the Kenyan government [9201c0ce]. Overall, the China-Kenya relationship is based on dignity, solidarity, and mutual respect [9201c0ce].
Saudi Arabia's Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan expressed the country's willingness to improve relations between the US and China, highlighting the importance of trade with both nations [a8d9ae01]. Al-Jadaan stated that Saudi Arabia is prepared to assist in any way to make the relationship between the US and China better, as the country enjoys a strategic relationship with the US and China is its largest trading partner [a8d9ae01]. The minister also discussed Saudi Arabia's economic growth and its commitment to diversifying the economy outside of the oil industry through its Vision 2030 initiative [a8d9ae01]. Additionally, Al-Jadaan emphasized the importance of respecting international laws and de-escalating the crisis in Gaza [a8d9ae01]. The article also mentions the signing of an agreement between French aerospace and defense firm Thales and Saudi Arabia to increase the number of Saudi workers in the company [a8d9ae01].
Saudi Arabia has signed agreements totaling $533 million with multiple African countries, covering sectors such as energy, infrastructure development, and healthcare [b8ed8c89]. The deals will be facilitated through the Kingdom's Fund for Development, and Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, is also preparing to sign deals in Africa's critical mineral sector [b8ed8c89]. The Kingdom has proposed an additional seat for Africa on the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund [b8ed8c89]. Africa is becoming a focal point for discussions on critical minerals exploration and extraction [b8ed8c89].
Kenya is seeking to strengthen its already good relations with the United States [c42d2c6e]. The Kenyan government hopes to build on the positive relationship between the two countries, which has been characterized by cooperation in various areas such as trade, security, and development [c42d2c6e]. The goal is to further enhance bilateral ties and explore new opportunities for collaboration [c42d2c6e]. The move comes as Kenya seeks to attract more foreign investment and boost its economy [c42d2c6e]. The country is also looking to leverage its strategic position in East Africa to become a regional hub for trade and investment [c42d2c6e]. The Kenyan government is optimistic about the future of the US-Kenya relationship and is committed to deepening the partnership [c42d2c6e].
Rwandan ambassador to China, James Kimonyo, stated that Rwanda will not be forced to choose between China and the United States [5ebd351b]. He emphasized that both countries are important partners for Rwanda and tensions between them should be settled systematically [5ebd351b]. Kimonyo dismissed claims of China engaging in debt-trap diplomacy in Africa as illogical [5ebd351b]. He defended China's investments in Africa, including those under the Belt and Road Initiative, stating that they are discussed based on Rwanda's national priorities [5ebd351b]. Kimonyo highlighted China's historical support for Africa and its positive contributions to Rwanda's socio-economic transformation [5ebd351b]. He expressed Rwanda's desire to deepen cooperation with China in various areas, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, technology, and innovation [5ebd351b]. China is already Rwanda's biggest source of foreign direct investment, and Kimonyo expects the investment to grow [5ebd351b]. Wu Peng, the Chinese foreign ministry's director general of African affairs, pledged China's support for Rwanda's development and deeper ties between the two countries [5ebd351b].
South Africa is implementing several measures to attract more Chinese tourists, including introducing additional direct flights from China and simplifying the visa application process [6c3f1455]. The tourism minister, Patricia de Lille, outlined steps such as translating the e-Visa application, collaborating with Chinese banks for smoother financial record verification, and maintaining communication with Chinese tour operators [6c3f1455]. Meetings with Chinese airline directors aim to expand flight frequency and seek shorter routes for Chinese tourists to reach South Africa directly [6c3f1455]. The strategy also involves promoting both leisure and business tourism to stimulate demand and potentially reduce airfares through joint marketing efforts [6c3f1455]. Plans are underway to establish a China Tourism Office in South Africa to facilitate travel for South African visitors to China [6c3f1455]. The goal is to increase tourism between the two countries and address concerns about safety and inefficiencies in the visa application system [6c3f1455].