Outgoing South Afican High Commissioner to Kenya H.E Tony Msimanga and Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula
The outgoing South African High Commissioner to Kenya, H.E. Tony Msimanga has paid a courtesy call to the Foreign Affairs minister, Honourable Moses Wetang’ula today. During the meeting, the High Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the improving relations between the two countries, stimulated by the conclusion of various cooperation agreements.

Most notable, during his tenure, were the formation of the Joint Trade Committee to boost economic relations, the signing of the Kenya/ South Africa Joint Commission for Co-operation, and the signing of the MOU’s on Tourism and Economic Co-operation. The inaugural session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation will be held later this year.

In his remarks, the Minister thanked the South African Government for its support, particularly during for the formation of the Grand Coalition Government in 2008. H.E. Msimanga will be leaving Nairobi after a 5 years tour of duty in the country.

AU Commission Chairperson congratulates Kenya for a peaceful referendum

Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union,H.E. Jean Ping

The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, H.E. Jean Ping has congratulated the Kenyan Government for conducting a peaceful and smooth referendum on the new constitution. The referendum vote held on August 4 approved the draft constitution by a large majority.

In a press release issued by the AU Commission, H.E. Jean Ping has welcomed the peaceful and smooth holding of the referendum, noting that ‘the successful conduct of the referendum marks a further step in the consolidation of democratic institutions and rule of law in Kenya’, and ‘a testimony to the maturity of the Kenyan people and the commitment of all stakeholders to a free, fair and transparent electoral process’.

KENYA- SENEGAL RELATIONS

16 August 2010| bilateral relations

Foreign Affairs minister, Moses Wetang'ula (L) with the outgoing Senegalese ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Amadoe Kebe

Kenya and Senegal will establish a framework to promote direct trade between the two countries. This was agreed during a meeting between Foreign affairs minister, Honourable Moses Wetang’ula and the outgoing Senegalese ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Amadoe Kebe.

The two countries have already started sharing information on possible areas of cooperation. Delegations from the two countries are expected to meet later this year in Nairobi, during the visit to Kenya by Honourable Madické Niang, the Senegalese minister for foreign affairs.

The two leaders were in agreement that bilateral relations and trade opportunities between the two countries remains largely unexploited, and that more needs to be done to tap into the huge potential in both countries.

In his remarks, Honourable Wetang’ula said that African countries should give priority to intra -African trade to create synergies that will enable the continent to increase its share of international trade. He further said the focus now should be on building the necessary infrastructure to open up communication lines among African countries to facilitate the movement of goods and services.