Kenya and China vowed to strengthen bilateral cooperation on Monday during a meeting between senior officials of the two friendly countries.

Wang Jiarui, visiting minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC)'s Central Committee, said the Chinese ruling party would engage Kenya's political parties --the Orange Democratic Party-Kenya, the Party of National Unity and the Orange Democratic Party in support of the stability of the Kenyan Grand Coalition Government.

Wang Jiarui (R), minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC)'s Central Committee, shakes hands with Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga in Nairobi, May 4, 2009. Wang Jiarui was invited by the three parties of Kenya's ruling coalition for a 2-day visit.

Wang said his country valued the eastern African nation as an important partner in the continent.

"Our bilateral relation is very cordial as this has been demonstrated by sincere trust and mutual cooperation between the two countries. We also expect to explore inter-party cooperation to enable the two countries exchange views and address issues of mutual interest," Wang said in talks with Kenyan Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka.

He said the Sino-Kenyan friendship dates back to ancient times and that the past four decades of bilateral diplomatic ties have witnessed great development of friendship and successful cooperation in such fields as politics, infrastructure and trade, as well as mutual support in international affairs.

Wang Jiarui (2nd, L), minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC)'s Central Committee, meets with Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odingan (R) in Nairob

"We will work with the three parties that form the ruling coalition government. We know that these three parties are key to the stability of this country. Without stability there can be no development," he said.

Musyoka expressed thanks for China's assistance for Kenya in the past years and introduced Kenya's efforts to push forward regional peace, stability and integration.

Musyoka said Kenyan political parties have a lot to learn from CPC in spurning economic growth.

"I am aware that China's booming economy is largely inspired by the effective management of the CPC of the country's economic affairs," he noted.

The vice president said Kenya and China will work together to find ways of resolving the challenges facing their citizens.

He also thanked China for refurbishing the road linking the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the UN headquarters in Nairobi and the construction of stadia in Kenya.

"Today China is constructing various roads across the country including the one from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the United Nations headquarters. China has also oil exploration companies and with all these, we hope to expand other areas of cooperation and reach mutual understanding to enable both sides to benefit," he said.

Musyoka told Wang the east African nation appreciates the huge investment China has put into Kenya's infrastructure.

He expressed hope that more Chinese tourists will visit Kenya as part of efforts to balance trade, while urging China to launch direct flights to Nairobi to help spur economic growth and boost the country's tourism.

Musyoka pledged that the Kenyan coalition government attaches much importance to bilateral relations with China and will further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields.