Kenya: More countries to enhance ties after polls

Xinhua
04/12/2013

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More countries on Thursday expressed their commitment to continue expansion existing bilateral relations with Kenya following a peaceful conclusion of the electoral process in the East African nation.

The envoys from Somalia , Uganda , Tanzania , Israel and Brazil delivered congratulatory messages to Kenya ’s president-elect Uhuru Kenyatta where they pledged to further strengthen cooperation between their respective countries and Kenya .

During the ceremony in Nairobi , Israeli Ambassador Gil Haskel noted that the ties between Kenya and Israel date back to the early years of Kenya ’s independence, saying Kenya is the focal point for Israel in Africa .

“He stressed his government’s commitment to further strengthen the cooperation between the two countries especial in areas of food security, energy, tourism as well as internal and border security,” said a statement issued after the meeting.

On his part, President-elect Kenyatta appreciated the cooperation between Kenya and the respective envoys’ countries, saying Kenya can learn a lot from Israel on technology especially with regards food security.

Kenyatta who was sworn in on next Tuesday said he looked forward to cooperating with Israel for Kenya to get the right technology required for food production as well as utilization of water and other resources.

He applauded Israel for its contribution to the horticultural sector in Kenya and underlined the need for Israeli investors to venture in other sectors of the economy.

Brazil ’s charge d’affaires at the embassy in Kenya , Antonio Ricaarte who delivered a message from his president, said the success of Kenya ’s electoral process, guided by a strong spirit of national cohesion and an impressive turnout, was a victory for the Kenyan democracy.

“I rejoice in the fact that our countries share the same ideal of coupling economic development with democracy and social inclusion. Kenya has been an important partner to Brazil at both the commercial and the technical cooperation levels,” the Brazil President said in the message.

Speaking during the meeting, Kenyatta said Kenya looked forward to cooperating with Brazil especial in the area of industrialization and aviation. He encouraged Brazil manufacturers to set up bases in Kenya to assemble machinery locally.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said, in a message delivered by High Commissioner Angelina Wapakhabulo that he looked forward to consolidating the brotherly relations between Kenya and Uganda within the wider East African and the Great Lakes region.

Museveni also congratulated the people of Kenya on holding a peaceful election, saying their conduct has redeemed the honor of Kenya and Africa .

“On Kenya-Uganda relations, the President-elect assured the Ugandan envoy that his government will deepen ties with the brotherly country of Uganda for the mutual interest of the people of the two countries,” the statement said.

Kenyatta reassured the envoy that his Government will address the issue of non-tariff barriers as matter of priority as well as the free movement of goods and services.

In his congratulatory message, the Somali President said President-elect Kenyatta’s ascension to office comes at a time when the Republic of Kenya has made significant strides in many spheres and has become one of the fastest growing economies in Africa .

“The outcome of the elections is indicative of the will and choice of the Kenyan general public entrusting you with their future. We are confident that under your wise leadership Kenya will continue its steady march towards the attainment of more development, progress and prosperity,” Somali President said in his message.

Delivering Tanzania ’s congratulatory message, High Commissioner Dr. Batilda Salha Buriani underscored the Tanzania Government’s commitment to forging closer ties in all spheres of social, economic and political development.

On his part, Kenyatta also applauded the cordial relations that Kenya and Tanzania have continued to enjoy since independence and reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing the cooperation for the benefit of the people of two countries.

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