Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, for his State visit to deepen economic, political, cultural and social relations with that country.
Kenya is a leading economy in the East African region. The Presidency on Tuesday said the visit will provide a platform for both countries to review progress on key areas of bilateral cooperation, which include trade and investment, agriculture, tourism and infrastructure development.
President Zuma and his Kenyan counterpart President Uhuru Kenyatta will exchange views on important regional, continental and global issues of mutual concern.
“Kenya is an important partner [to] South Africa in the advancement of inter- and intra-African trade and investment. South Africa is Kenya’s fourth source of imports, with South African exports amounting to R8.3 billion and imports to R366 million in 2015.
“Currently, over 60 South African companies are operating in Kenya and South Africa is the sixth largest investor in Kenya after China, United Kingdom, United States of America, India and Nigeria,” said the Presidency.
South Africa is the largest trading partner on the continent outside the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
“Further opportunities exist for strengthening economic ties through optimising investment opportunities in the mutually identified areas of energy, infrastructure development, blue economy and retail,” said the Presidency.
The two countries are scheduled to sign agreements and memoranda of understanding in the fields of defence, police, home affairs, environment, revenue services and infrastructure development under the Lamu-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport Corridor (LAPSSET).
“The signing of these instruments is an indication of South Africa’s determination to enhance bilateral relations and serves as confirmation of its desire to forge a strategic partnership with Kenya,” said the Presidency.
President Zuma will today address the South Africa-Kenya Business Forum, which will provide be an opportunity to further explore investment and trade opportunities between the two countries and support the interaction between the public and private sectors of both countries.
The President is accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown, Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba, Police Minister Nathi Nhleko, Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa and Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. – SAnews.gov.za
