Belarus' FM meets with Kenya's president

MINSK, 3 April (BelTA) – Belarus' Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Aleinik paid an official visit to the Republic of Kenya on 1-3 April, BelTA learned from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus.

The foreign minister was received by President of the Republic of Kenya William Samoei Ruto. The talks covered the entire range of bilateral relations, including plans to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

During the meeting with Cabinet Secretary for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs Dr. Alfred N. Mutua, the parties discussed topical issues of cooperation in politics, trade, economy, science and technology, culture and humanitarian affairs. The ministers welcomed the friendly nature of Belarus-Kenya relations and reaffirmed their interest in strengthening and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation. They agreed to take a number of steps to promote cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing, energy and green economy, education, tourism, and culture.

A decision was made to create a mechanism to hold regular ministerial consultations between the two countries. The corresponding memorandum was signed following the meeting.

The foreign ministers of Belarus and Kenya emphasized the need to maintain a regular dialogue across a wide range of issues. They noted that the two countries have a similar stance on key matters on the international agenda and reaffirmed their intension to provide support to each other on multilateral platforms.

They also discussed practical aspects of developing the legal and institutional framework for bilateral cooperation. They confirmed their readiness to sign cooperation agreements in trade, economy, education, on avoidance of double taxation, on the abolition of visas for holders of diplomatic and service passports.

During the visit, Sergei Aleinik also met with Cabinet Secretary for Trade, Investments and Industry Hon. Moses K. Kuria, and representatives of Kenyan business circles.

The parties explored the possibilities to cooperate in agricultural mechanization, in strengthening the industrial potential of Kenya, and expanding cooperation in trade and manufacturing.