NAIROBI, May 3 (Xinhua) -- British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Friday hailed China's contribution to socioeconomic development in Kenya.

Hunt, who is visiting Kenya as part of his tour of the African continent, said London was not playing catch-up with China but rather appreciated its contribution to the East Africa Nation's transformation.

"I do not see this catch-up with China. I think China is making a very important contribution to Africa's development and you can see that in Kenya with the new railway line to Mombasa which you can see all over Africa," said Hunt.

He spoke in Nairobi after holding a bilateral meeting with Kenyan cabinet secretary for foreign affairs and international trade Monica Juma.

The two officials pledged to strengthen cooperation in trade, regional security and strengthening of multilateral environmental treaties.