Kenya expresses readiness to become an entry point for Ukraine to the Eastern and Southern Africa market, and is open to Ukrainian agrarian technologies and innovative products. This was stated during a meeting of Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman with the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Kenya Honorary Justin Mutury. This is the first visit of the Kenyan high-ranking official to Ukraine and the first opportunity to discuss the details of cooperation between the two countries. Especially since the history of such cooperation is quite long.

Hence, diplomatic relations have been established between our countries since 1993. At the various levels, there are considered about a dozen draft bilateral agreements on trade-economic and investment cooperation, collaboration between chambers of commerce and industry, in the sectors of education, tourism, the legal sphere, the establishment of a joint trade and economic commission, mutual protection of investments, avoidance of double taxation, etc.

Two years ago - after an extreme drought in Africa - our country exported to Kenya some 180,000 tons of maize, which has contributed greatly to the strengthening of food security of Africa. And now Kenya enters the list of the most promising markets for Ukraine - both in the regional and global context.

"We are interested in developing bilateral relations because we have a number of important economic opportunities that can be used. And this visit is another step in the right direction", said Volodymyr Groysman. "We now have about $70 million in turnover. It's insufficient. And areas of mutual interest are in abundance. Therefore, we are open to business circles. I invite the Kenyan Government delegation to visit Kyiv as well, so that we can exchange opportunities. It's not just about export-import operations, but also about the functioning of the full-fledged Embassy of Kenya in Kyiv, as well as direct flights. We are ready to cooperate in those areas that are of mutual concern."

"I would like to express my gratitude for the invitation to visit Ukraine on an official visit. Eastern Africa is a large market, while Kenya is the gateway to the Eastern, Central and Southern Africa. In addition, Kenya is tea, coffee and 40% of the flower market. We are ready to work together on projects from which both countries will benefit", said Hon. Justin Muturi, in response.

The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Kenya noted that during the visit he had had an opportunity to visit historic places connected with different milestones of Ukrainian history, including the recent history.

"Moreover, I want to assure that Kenya firmly supports the territorial structure of Ukraine and the principles of the inviolability of borders. We believe that the borders of countries, in particular of Ukraine, cannot be violated. We remain resolute in this stance. And we would like to call on all countries of the world to adhere to the rules of inviolability of borders and maintaining peace", said Speaker of the Parliament of Kenya.

Background

On the outcomes of 2018, the total trade turnover between Ukraine and Kenya amounted to $68.4 million, mainly exports. The main commodity items include grain, metals, fats and oils. The main items of Kenyan goods imported to Ukraine include tea and coffee, edible fruits and nuts, and wood.