Nairobi, 4 April 2023 (TDI): Foreign Minister of Belarus, Sergey Aleinik visited Kenya to boost bilateral ties. Aleinik met with the President of the Republic of Kenya, William Ruto, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora of Kenya, Alfred Mutua.
🇧🇾🇰🇪FM #Aleinik, @DrAlfredMutua agreed on the implementation of specific steps ⚡️ aimed at developing cooperation 🤝 in the field of agriculture & industry, energy & the green economy, education, tourism & cultural exchanges
🔗 https://t.co/3avPJIO32E pic.twitter.com/d9VrqBOiI2
— Belarus MFA 🇧🇾 (@BelarusMFA) April 3, 2023
The discussions centered on various political, trade-economic, scientific-technical, and cultural-humanitarian spheres.
Both countries stressed the friendly character of Belarusian-Kenyan relations. They also indicated a desire to broaden the scope of mutually beneficial collaboration.
Specific initiatives for developing cooperation in agriculture and industry, energy and the green economy, education, tourism, and cultural exchanges have been outlined.
Mechanizing agriculture and developing Kenya’s industrial potential was given significant attention. There was also a discussion about increasing renewable energy sources to assist Kenya in achieving its green economy objectives.
The two countries agreed to develop a structure for such conversations to maintain regular political contacts between their respective foreign affairs ministries.
The relevant Memorandum was signed following the meeting to highlight further the commitment of both nations to strengthening their ties.
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Minister Aleinik also met with the Minister of Trade, Investment, and Industry, Moses Kuria, and representatives of Kenyan business communities. Both Ministers discussed the prospects for expanding mutual trade and industrial cooperation.
Belarusian-Kenyan Relations
Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergey Aleinik’s official visit to Kenya was marked by constructive conversations and the formulation of collaborative initiatives to deepen bilateral ties.
The journey reflected both governments’ determination to boost diplomatic cooperation and explore new areas of mutual benefit.
Historically, Belarus and Kenya have maintained diplomatic ties since 1993. However, their relationship was quite limited, focused primarily on educational cooperation.
There were no substantial economic relations between the two states. Education is one area where Belarus and Kenya have worked together.
Belarus has offered scholarships to Kenyan students to study in Belarusian universities. There have been some exchanges between academics and researchers between the two countries.
In recent years, Belarus has shown interest in increasing its African presence, including Kenya. In 2018, Belarus opened its embassy in Nairobi.
The same year, the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed an MOU with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry to promote economic cooperation between the two countries.
Agriculture, education, and trade are the main spheres of cooperation between Belarus and Kenya. Belarus provides Kenya with agricultural gear and equipment and technical guidance and training to Kenyan farmers.
The Foreign Minister’s recent visit was an opportunity for both countries to discover new avenues of cooperation and strengthen existing ties.
The joint efforts to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest are expected to bring significant benefits for both countries.
Belarusian-Kenyan relations are on a positive trajectory. They are committed to building a solid and sustainable partnership for the future.
