Ruto meets Xi during a state banquet in Beijing

Beijing, 

Wednesday, 18 October, 2023 

McCreadie Andias 

President William Ruto on Tuesday night met with China's President Xi Jinping and First lady, Peng Liyuan during a state banquet organized for visiting heads of state at the Great hall of people China in Beijing. 

The banquet was attended by several Heads of State who were in China for the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

President Ruto was accompanied by First lady, Rachel Ruto.

Others who attended the banquets include Argentine President Alberto Fernandez , Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin

Also UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet , Prime Minister of Egypt Mostafa Madbouly, Pakistan's Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, Prime Minister of Mozambique Adriano Maleiane and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed were in attendance. 

President Ruto recognized China as a valuable patner in Kenya's Development journey and committed for a continued partnership and collaboration with the world's biggest Economy. 

"China is a valued partner in Kenya's development journey. We shall stay the course of partnership, collaboration and cooperation for the mutual advancement of both nations and our citizens." Ruto said in a statement on Facebook. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin also attended the opening ceremony of the China for the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation despite a warrant of his arrest from the ICC, China, a close ally of Moscow however provided immunity for Putin on their territory. 

President Ruto is in China for a three day official visit.