The Exhibition Commemorating the 620th Anniversary of Zheng He’s Voyages and the 62nd Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Kenya officially opened on December 19 at the National Museum of Kenya, offering a vivid reflection of the long-standing friendship and growing cooperation between the two nations.

Themed "A New Chapter of the Silk Road, a Shared Future for a Common Destiny," the ceremony featured a traditional Chinese lion dance, dance performances, and choral pieces.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan, Jane Makori, deputy director-general at the Asia and the Pacific Directorate in Kenya's Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Mary Gikungu, director-general of the National Museums of Kenya, and representatives from other Kenyan institutions attended the ceremony.

Guo described the ancient Maritime Silk Road as more than a trade route, calling it "a symbol of peace, friendship and cooperation." She noted that China-Kenya relations have reached an all-time high through cultural and practical cooperation, and expressed hope to work with Kenya to build a more equitable global governance system and a shared bright future.

Jane Makori reaffirmed the deep friendship between the two countries, founded on mutual respect and win-win cooperation. She highlighted collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative as a key driver of shared development.

Mary Gikungu and representatives from the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi also addressed the event, revisiting the shared long history of China-Africa exchanges while underscoring the role of academic and cultural exchanges in fostering people-to-people bonds.

The exhibition was officially opened by Ambassador Guo alongside representatives of Kenya Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Museum of Kenya and the East Africa Chamber of Commerce through the unveiling of the scroll, depicting the prosperity of Nanjing’s commerce, craftsmanship and folk customs in Ming Dynasty. As the scroll was fully unfurled, it came to symbolize a renewed Silk Road and the growing sense of a shared future for China and Kenya.

Following the joint announcement, all attendees proceeded to the exhibition hall for a guide visit. 

Six hundred and twenty years ago, Chinese mariner Zheng He set out on his voyages, opening a period of peaceful exchange and maritime contact that linked China with regions across the oceans.

CGTN Africa reporter Dinah Matengo also contributed to the story.