Chinese President Xi Jinping applauded Kenya';s rebukes of some Western countries'; criticisms of China';s investment on the African continent.

When meeting with visiting Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in Beijing on Thursday, Xi said President Kenyatta has debunked criticisms of China';s investment in Africa in many occasions and China appreciates Kenya';s position.

China is willing to work with the Kenyan government to promote cooperation in such infrastructure projects as railway lines under the Belt and Road Initiative and the framework of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, Xi said.

Kenyatta is in China for the second Belt and Road forum scheduled from Thursday to Saturday in the Chinese capital.

On his side, Kenyatta said more countries have recognized the Belt and Road Initiative, and the initiative also increased the connectivity and sped up industrialization on the African continent. Kenya hopes to deepen cooperation with China under the framework, he added.

Kenyatta also lauded China';s achievement in poverty alleviation. He said: "Kenya applauds the People';s Republic of China';s remarkable achievement in the past 70 years, especially in lifting 700 million people out of poverty."

The two leaders also witnessed the signing of deals under the Belt and Road framework.