15th Chinese navy escort fleet visits Kenya

MOMBASA, Kenya -- The 15th Chinese navy escort fleet arrived in Mombasa, the Indian Ocean port city of Kenya, on Thursday for a four-day visit.

The fleet formed by amphibious docking vessel Jinggangshan and missile frigate Hengshui was received by representatives from the Kenyan government and navy, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Liu Guangyuan, other Chinese diplomats, and representatives of overseas Chinese upon its arrival at the port of Mombasa.

Kenya Cabinet Secretary for Defense Raychelle Omamo said at the welcome ceremony that the visit strengthens and deepens the mutual relations between the Kenyan and Chinese forces.

The Chinese ambassador said the visit of the fleet is a "journey of peace, friendship and cooperation" with "China's solemn promise to safeguard world peace" and "the sincere friendship from the Chinese people to the Kenyan people."

Commander of the Task Force RADM Jiang Zhonghua said the visit is the second to Kenya since China's navy hospital ship Peace Ark in October 2010.

The Chinese and Kenyan navy will hold events during the visit including equipment maintenance, damage control, medical aid and sports. The Kenyan navy will also watch anti-pirate tactics actions from the fleet.

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15th Chinese naval escort taskforce visits Kenya