Do you believe that African nations have anything to offer to fellow African states? Well, If you thought that the Kenya – China trade deal was the best, then you haven’t heard anything yet about the newly signed bilateral deal between Kenya and Mozambique.
Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta and Mozambique’s Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, on Wednesday engaged in a bilateral meeting with the two leaders coming up with a number of solutions and agreements that will surely be welcomed by a number of Kenyans.
The two countries signed a visa waiver framework, paving the way for free movement of people that will boost trade between the two countries.
“I am delighted that today Kenya and Mozambique have finally agreed and signed an appropriate Visa waiver framework. This is the right step towards facilitating people to people contact, as well as enhancing trade between our two nations,”said President Kenyatta.
I am delighted that today Kenya and Mozambique have finally agreed and signed an appropriate Visa waiver framework. This is the right step towards facilitating people to people contact, as well as enhancing trade between our two nations #KenyaMozambiqueRelations | @FNyusi pic.twitter.com/JVO3diQGeg
— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) November 21, 2018
President Kenyatta said the visa waiver arrangement will boost the two country’s people-to-people interactions as well as enhance trade and cultural exchanges.
President Kenyatta further confirmed that Kenya will establish a consulate in Maputo, Mozambique within the first quarter of next year with the consulate expected to further deepen relations between the two countries
“I also reaffirm our commitment as Government to establish a consulate in Maputo, and once again my brother, I wish to assure you that we are taking the necessary preparations to ensure that this consulate is opened within the first quarter of next year,” President Kenyatta said.
With Mozambique making tremendous growth in the gas, oil and coal industries, President Kenyatta said that Kenya was considering the importation of liquefied gas and coal from Mozambique starting next year through a Government-to-Government agreement.
Uhuru also said that Kenya is considering opportunities in aviation with a focus on technical training and the establishment of an aviation training organisation.
“We are also exploring the existing potential in the aviation sector between our two countries that is yet to be fully exploited and which will enhance greatly our tourism and trade ties,” President Kenyatta said.
“As a nation we have the capacity to offer the requisite technical assistance in this field,” he added.
As two ocean-facing countries, President Kenyatta said Kenya and Mozambique have agreed to champion the sustainable use of the blue economy resources to accelerate economic growth and development.
The President further observed that the port cities of Maputo and Mombasa form an integral part of the trade relations between the two countries.
“I encourage our relevant authorities to work much close together to see how we can partner and develop our port facilities as a sure way of improving trade linkages between our two countries,” the President said.
President Nyusi is in the country for a reciprocal State Visit that will see him attend the opening of the world’s first Sustainable Blue Economy Conference that is co-hosted by Kenya, Japan and Canada at Kenyatta International Convention Centre starting on Monday, 26th November 2018.
Speaking at the event, President Nyusi reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to work towards enhancing cooperation and bilateral relations with Kenya.
Do you think the new bilateral agreements will help improve the economies of the two nations?
