NAIROBI, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A reception to celebrate the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has been held in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital.
The reception, convened on Thursday by the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, featured speeches and photo exhibitions to honor the sacrifices and contributions of the PLA to global peace.
Guo Haiyan, Chinese ambassador to Kenya, highlighted the capacity of the PLA to safeguard national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
"It has the confidence and capability to provide strategic support for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and to make greater contributions to world peace and development," Guo said.
The ambassador reaffirmed the PLA's commitment to fostering peace and prosperity in Kenya and the broader Horn of Africa region, while earnestly fulfilling its international responsibilities and obligations.
Lt. Gen. David Kipkemboi Ketter, commander of the Kenya Army, said that commemorating the PLA's 98-year history offers an opportunity to reflect on the enduring Kenya-China friendship, based on mutual trust, respect, and a deepening understanding between the two countries' militaries and peoples.
"As Kenya and China have grown closer as partners in development and trade, so too have our armed forces found common ground in pursuing shared goals," Keter said, adding that the two militaries have shared experience and best practices in diverse areas like disaster response, peacekeeping operations, and counter-terrorism.
He said Kenyan military officers have participated in training programs, seminars and crash courses hosted by the PLA and Chinese institutions, aimed at strengthening their capacity and exposing them to new ideas and innovations.
More than 200 guests, including senior government officials, diplomats, military leaders, and scholars, attended the reception. ■
