They say that too much work makes Jack a dull boy. Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Mozambique counterpart, President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi were on Wednesday engaged in a number of bilateral talks in a bid to come up with some mutual agreements that will benefit both Nations. The two leaders however later found time to relax and enjoy some fine food and wine at Statehouse Nairobi.
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.
After their nearly day-long meetings, the Mozambique President and First Lady were hosted to a state banquet in Statehouse.
The banquet was attended by among others, Deputy President William Ruto, First Lady Margret Kenyatta, Cabinet Secretaries Margaret Kobia, Peter Munya, Governor Mike Sonko, CJ Maraga, Mama Idda Odinga among others.
“Margaret and I, were delighted to host President Filipe Nyusi and First Lady of Mozambique, Isaura Nyusi for a State Banquet. This visit allows us to open new frontiers of cooperation so as to fully explore the immense untapped potential that exists between our countries,” said President Kenyatta.
During their bilateral talks, President Kenyatta and Nyusi agreed on a number of things with the highlight of their discussions being the decision to sign a Visa waiver framework.
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.
What other measures should Kenya put in Place to even strengthen its relationship with Mozambique further?