Africa-Press – Kenya. Kenya and Ethiopia have concluded a strategic framework to promote bilateral cooperation between the two countries, in areas of economic and social development.
This was agreed upon during the 36th Joint Ministerial Commission meeting in Addis Ababa.
The JMC meeting emphasised on the need to deepen bilateral ties between the two countries, and MoUs signed covering seven areas of cooperation including tourism, wildlife, culture, blue economy, petroleum, correctional services and capacity building in public service.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi who also holds the Foreign Affairs and Diaspora docket led the Kenyan delegation in Wednesday’s session.
He noted that the JMC meeting has helped resolve outstanding bilateral and regional issues and also improved countries’ political, economic, and social interactions.
“I am excited by this great opportunity to explore ways to strengthen the friendly relations between our two countries on economic, social, security and foreign relations,” Mudavadi said.
The Prime CS co-chaired the JMC with Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie.
Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to work with Ethiopia and also praised the long-standing relations between the countries.
He also underscored the need for Kenya and Ethiopia to resolve trade barriers, including tariff and non-tariff barriers, which stifle the expansion of trade.
This, he said, will also aid in fostering regional peace and security, development and cooperation for the benefit of the people of the two countries and the region.
“The changes in the regional and global environment demand the engagement of Ethiopia and Kenya, and regular interaction as we build our partnership at the bilateral, regional and continental levels,” the Prime CS said.
“The 36th JMC has provided an opportunity for Kenya and Ethiopia to enhance their cooperation in regional and global issues of mutual interest.”
Speaking during the signing, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister affirmed that Ethiopia is committed to all that had been agreed on at the JMC.
“On our part, we are also committed to bolster our ties with Kenya and work for peace and prosperity, including through enhanced security along the common border,” Selassie said.
They also agreed on time-bound monitoring, including a midterm review to be hosted by Kenya in February next year, to assess progress and prepare for the next JMC in 2026.
This year, Ethiopia and Kenya will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on June 26, 1964.
The Ethiopia-Kenya Joint Ministerial Commission Meeting began on Monday in Addis Ababa after seven-years of stalling.
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