Xinhua China-related international news summary at 1000 GMT, Sept. 23

The China-Africa Development Fund (CADFund) on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Kenyan government to develop 20,000 housing units for civil servants.

Speaking at the launch of a new CADFund office in Nairobi, Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Housing James Macharia said Chinese investments have stimulated economic growth in the east African nation. (Kenya-China-Fund)

- - - -

MAPUTO -- China will help Mozambique establish an industrial park as an effort to increase job opportunities in the southern African country, according to Chinese Ambassador Su Jian.

Ambassador Su told Mozambican Prime Minister Carlos Agostinho do Rosario on Wednesday in Maputo that China is willing to continue supporting the country in different domains including increasing job opportunities through the establishment of an industrial park. (Mozambique-China-Industry Park)

- - - -

OTTAWA -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said here Thursday that China and Canada have agreed to strengthen their ties in economic, trade and other fields, and to begin exploratory talks for a free trade agreement.

Li, who is on an official visit to the North American nation, made the remarks in a joint press conference with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau. (China-Canada-Visit)

- - - -

NEW YORK -- All Syrian parties should return to the negation table to find solutions and make compromise to resolve the five-year-old Syrian crisis, said Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong on Thursday.

Li spoke at an International Syria Support Group (ISSG) ministerial meeting held in New York. He noted that countries need to go beyond national interests and geopolitics, and exert joint efforts to avoid greater global crises. (UN-China-Syria Crisis) Endi