Ethiopia, Kenya sign MoUs to elevate cooperation

Addis Ababa, February 21, 2024 (FBC) – The 36th Ethiopia-Kenya Joint Ministerial Commission was held at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa.

The JMC, which was co-chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie and Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, deliberated on and agreed the Memoranda of Understanding signed during the meeting, to further expedite the cooperation between the two countries in seven (7) key areas including, culture, tourism, petroleum sector development, wildlife protection, blue economy and fisheries, correctional services, and capacity building.

In his opening remarks, Foreign Minister Ambassador Taye, appreciated the Ethio-Kenyan diplomatic relations that withstood the test of time.

He also stressed the fact that the concerted efforts between the respective governments have been instrumental in bolstering ties and jointly tackling bilateral and regional challenges such as terrorism, transnational organised crimes, drought, climate change and other related concerns. In this regard, the Foreign Minister stated, the JMC platform is crucial to take relations to new heights.

Calling upon respective parties to duly implement newly inked MoUs in close collaboration, the Ambassador reiterated Ethiopia’s continued commitment and incessant efforts to closely work with its southern neighbour for the peace, development and prosperity of the two countries and the Horn of Africa region, at large.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary, Honourable Mudavadi on his part said, the painstaking deliberations at the JMC and senior experts’ level are testaments to the sort of special relations Kenya and Ethiopia enjoy and will further consolidate bilateral relations.

He further stated, the cooperation between Kenya and Ethiopia is that of a longstanding collaboration predicated on the spirit of Pan-African renaissance. Kenya and Ethiopia, as such, are close partners working together to champion region integration in tandem with ensuring regional peace and security, the PCS and CS noted.

After the signing ceremony FM Ambassador Taye and PCS and CS Mudavadi engaged in a joint press conference with media highlighting the major takeaways of the high-level talks.