Pretoria, 24 November 2021 (TDI): Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta paid three days visit to South Africa at the invitation of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Kenya President led a delegation of government officials to hold high-level talks with South African counterparts. South African President Ramaphosa welcomes Kenya President at Union Building in Pretoria.
The visit aims to review the latest position of bilateral, economic, regional, and continental issues. Likewise, visits aim to explore areas of mutual interest of both countries.
Joint Communiqué on the occasion of the State Visit of H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya, to South Africa, from 22nd-24th November, 2021https://t.co/8YMFBWGzgx
#KenyaInSA
#BetterAfricaBetterWorld pic.twitter.com/G5HpwgxICx— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) November 23, 2021
Meeting between South Africa and Kenya President
In the visit, the South African President congratulated Kenya’s President on the progress of the Lamu Port South-Sudan Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor Project. LAPSSET connects the region and benefits 150 million people.
Further, both discussed the political developments in African Continent. Likewise, they showed concern over the situation of Ethiopia and Sudan. Besides, both showed support to mediation efforts of the High Representative for the AU Commission Chairperson on the Horn of Africa.
More, South African President reaffirmed support during the Kenya tenure as a nonpermanent UNSC member for 2021–2022.
Moreover, both discussed the world’s response to COVID 19. Both call for equitable distribution of vaccines to all. They argue WTO temporarily waives provisions on Intellectual Property Rights. It will allow poor countries to produce COVID19 vaccines.
Bilateral Agreements:
During the visit, South Africa and Kenya’s President signed eight bilateral agreements. These agreements include MOUs on health, transport, tourism, migration, and diplomatic consultations.
They also signed MOUs on return of national refused entry, illegal entrants, and Govt Printing Works.
Furthermore, both presidents signed a strategic framework agreement. The agreement paves the road map for the establishment of the pan-Africa airline group. These will enhance cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking with Business Community
Both Presidents addressed South Africa–Kenya Business Forum. More than 250 Business leaders attend the event from both countries. The forum aims to further explore new areas of investment, trade, and economic cooperation.
While speaking, President Kenyatta emphasized that Business communities consider themselves partners rather than competitors.
Further, two leaders ordered relevant authorities to address issues that constrict trade between Kenya and South Africa. Both tasked their technical teams to ensure trade balance between the two countries. Currently, trade imbalance is present in favor of South Africa.
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