NAIROBI, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Kenya is well positioned to benefit from the maritime silk road, a government official said on Sunday.
State House spokesman Manoah Esipisu expressed optimism that the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road will open new frontiers of progress in all fields of human endeavor.
The initiative aims to promote common development through win-win cooperation. Kenya falls within the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, Esipisu told journalists in Nairobi.
"Kenya stands to benefit in a number of ways. Kenya, as you may be aware, is a growing economy and will stand to benefit from the summit. Kenya is a natural maritime route," he said.
Esipisu said President Uhuru Kenyatta will be among world leaders who will attend the Belt and Road Forum to be hosted by the Chinese government on May 15.
President Kenyatta will join 28 others Heads of State to attend the leaders' round-table summit on May 15 at the forum, he said.
He said Kenya stands to benefit immensely from the Chinese initiative since it is a natural maritime route.
"Through the Lamu Port - South Sudan - Ethiopia Transport Corridor Project (LAPSSET) project, this creates an extension of the maritime silk road. This will create massive economic advantages for Kenya," said Esipisu.
Esipisu said more than 100 countries as well as international organizations have supported and joined the initiative.
"Over 40 countries and international organizations have signed cooperation agreements with China. These countries come from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas," he said.
He said the content of the Belt and Road initiative has been reflected in relevant resolutions or documents of the UN General Assembly, the Security Council, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the Asia-Pacific Economic cooperation, the Asia-Europe Meeting and the Greater Mekong Sub Region Cooperation.
On a bilateral level, Esipisu said Kenya and China's relations remain strong and as a result of this partnership, Kenya has benefited with some of the significant projects, being the Standard Gauge Railway and the first three berths at Lamu Port.
