Chinese President Xi Jinping has welcomed visiting Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Kenyatta's trip to Beijing is part of a week-long state visit to China. The two leaders have held talks and exchanged ideas on deepening bilateral ties.

A welcoming ceremony for old friends. President Xi Jinping greeted visiting Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta. It's Kenyatta's first visit to China since his inauguration in April.

The Kenyan president was received at a formal reception with a 21-gun salute. The two leaders then reviewed the People's Liberation Army's guard of honor.

Later, Xi Jinping and Chinese officials met with Kenyatta and his delegation. They renewed their friendship, discussed cooperation and laid out a blueprint for the development of future bilateral relations.

Both sides have expressed a willingness to further promote a cooperative partnership.

Xi Jinping said China has historical ties with Kenya, specifically mentioning the 15th-century voyages of Chinese adventurer Zheng He, who visited Kenya during his expeditions to the east African coast.

Xi Jinping also said Kenyatta's visit opens a significant new chapter in the two countries' cooperative ties.

The Chinese president emphasized that China and Kenya should continue cooperating on issues of common concern, including agriculture, tourism, trade and investment, as well as protecting the wildlife.

Kenyatta said the Kenyan people were grateful for China's support of their independence. He said Kenya is seeking greater cooperation with China in infrastructure development, energy and technology. China is Kenya's second-largest trade partner and its biggest source of foreign direct investment. Kenyatta said he hoped his visit would promote trade and economic ties.

The two sides also signed a series of agreements, which are expected to give relations a boost in the fields of people-to-people exchanges, environmental protection and new energy.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Kenya. The two countries have supported each other in international affairs and have made great achievements through cooperation in various fields. High-level talks between the two sides will make that relationship much closer.

(CNTV.cn August 19, 2013)