Statement by Amb. (Dr) Amina Mohamed, Egh, Cav, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry Of Foreign Affairs And International Trade, During The Farewell Luncheon in Honour Of H.E. Saad Maandi, Outgoing Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic Of Algeria, Thursday, February 25, 2016 at the Hotel Fairmont Norfolk (As Read by Amb. Tom Amolo, Political and Diplomatic Secretary)
Your Excellency Saad Mandi
Ambassador Of The People’s Democratic
Republic of Algeria
Excellencies
Distinguished Guests
Ladies And Gentlemen
We have all gathered here this afternoon to bid farewell and also pay tribute to our distinguished brother, His Excellency Saad Maandi, Ambassador of Algeria. Thank you all for honouring our invitation.
I would like to take this opportunity to say a few words about our departing colleague and his illustrious tour of duty in Kenya. I know this is not an occasion for me to go long on our bilateral relations, but I will also highlight a few areas where Ambassador Maandi’s contribution was prominent.
Ambassador Maandi, the short five years you have spent with us have witnessed unprecedented levels of bilateral cooperation and a flurry of activity between Kenya and Algeria. Clearly, you have been a good Ambassador of your country as well as being a dependable catalyst for revitalizing Kenya/Algeria relations.
Your tenure was punctuated by increased high level exchange of visits between the two countries, the highlight of which was the State Visit to Algeria by H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta in February 2015, during which four (4) bilateral cooperation instruments were signed. Kenya has also played host to many Algerian high officials, including the Prime Minister. Emanating from these visits, our two countries are now pursuing cooperation in diverse fields such as energy, trade and manpower development.
In December 2014, Kenya opened a resident embassy in Algiers, marking yet another watershed moment in your outstanding tour of duty in Nairobi.
We are indeed developing and deepening a Strategic Partnership. Our two countries have established a Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) in 2014 and plans are underway to hold the inaugural session of the Commission in Nairobi next month.
There are a growing number of contacts and consultations between our businessmen and state authorities. The envisaged commencement of direct flights between our two respective capitals will augment our mutual desire to promote trade and commerce between our countries.
Our cooperation on regional and international issues has also been intensified. We remain steadfast in advancing the African Agenda and committed in our effort at fighting terror and organized crimes in our respective regions.
Excellency, you will always be remembered for the invaluable service and selfless contribution you have rendered in many different ways which have contributed towards enhancing a better life for Kenyans. I am pleased to note that the number of beneficiaries of Algerian government scholarship has doubled in the last 3 years.
Without your valuable contribution and coordination, I know all these could not have been achieved easily. For this reason, I wish to, on behalf of Kenya, take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation.
Excellency
Colleagues who have interacted with you in the course of your stay in Nairobi hold you in high regard and describe you in various superlatives. We all admire your energy; passion and commitment to move our bilateral relations to higher level.
Excellency, being a consummate Diplomat, you were also able to build deep relationships with many Kenyan leaders and people on the basis of trust and confidence that exist only between close friends. As we bid you farewell today, please remember that the spinning wheels of diplomatic life will turn and make it possible for us to meet again, InshaAllah. We wish you all the very best in your next assignment, and look forward to our continuous engagement. Also, do take note that the people and Government of Kenya will always count on you as their second Ambassador in Algiers.
Finally, may I now invite you all to raise your glasses and join me in proposing a toast to the continued cordial relations between Kenya and Algeria, to the good health and long life of H.E. President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and to the prosperity of the people of Algeria.
THANK YOU.