Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has returned from his State visit to Kenya, which saw the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding.
The agreements include a visa waiver for diplomatic and official passport holders, military training, visits and technical assistance as well as mutual assistance between customs administration.
MoUs were signed on police cooperation, biodiversity conservation and management and the Lamu-Port Southern Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor.
President Zuma said the signing of these instruments is a clear indication of the two countries' collective determination to take their relations to a higher level.
"This historic State visit has been remarkably successful, as we discussed and agreed on various important issues that will significantly heighten the bilateral and economic relations, not only for our countries but also for the benefit of our respective regions,” said President Zuma on Wednesday.
President Zuma said South Africa and Kenya occupy important places in their respective regions as leading economies.
"Our countries share common democratic principles and it was important that we come to Kenya to elevate our bilateral and economic relations to lift our people from the clutches of poverty and underdevelopment, and also ensure greater economic integration between our regions.”
President Zuma held official talks with his Kenyan counterpart, President Uhuru Kenyatta. Issues discussed include migration to ensure the efficient movement of goods and people to increase the volume of economic activity between the two countries. Security measures, President Zuma said, need to be considered very carefully, since Kenya had been targeted by terror groups, who might exploit such opportunity for their own criminal or terrorist ends.
"Further discussions will be taking place between the two countries on the issue of migration and non-tariff barriers to trade, and also how we can remove obstacles that have hindered such activities.
“We have tasked our Ministers to urgently work on the implementation of our agreements on these matters and we expect a progress report in our next meeting in the near future,” said President Zuma.
Views on important regional, continental and global issues of mutual concern, particularly the issue of peace and security in the continent, were also discussed.
President Zuma said South Africa is committed to contributing to peace and security missions on the continent, including in Kenya and the East Africa region, which have been adversely affected by acts of terrorism and extremism.
Growing business links
During the State visit, President Zuma also addressed the South Africa-Kenya Business Forum, where he encouraged the business sector from both countries to explore investment and trade opportunities.
"We encourage more South African businesses to consider Kenya as an investment destination, and we are actively encouraging Kenyan businesses to do likewise in South Africa.
“New sources of economic growth must be enhanced, with emphasis on the agri-business, services, automotives, capital equipment, infrastructure, energy and information technology sectors.
“This would require a concerted effort towards developing industrial clusters, and an adjustment of policies to ensure global competitiveness,” the President said.
President Zuma was accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown, Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba, Minister of Police Nathi Nhleko, Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa and Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. - SAnews.gov.za
