Mekelle: 28 February 2024 (Tigray Herald)
JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ ON THE OCCASION OF THE STATE VISIT OF HIS EXCELLENCY ABIY AHMED, PRIME MINISTER OF THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA TO THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA
1. At the invitation of His Excellency William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, undertook a State Visit to Kenya from 27th 29th February, 2024. Prime Minister Abiy led a high level delegation from Ethiopia.
2. The visit was preceded by the 36th Session of the High Level Joint Ministerial Commission, which took place from 19th to 21st February, 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Commission afforded the two countries an opportunity to deliberate on issues of mutual interest and reviewed the status of implementation of various cooperation frameworks between Kenya and Ethiopia. The JMC saw the signing of 7 Memoranda of Understanding committing the two countries to cooperate in cultural development, tourism and wildlife sector, blue economy, reformatory services, petroleum and energy development and, capacity building in the public sector. The meeting emphasized on the urgent need to prioritize economic cooperation given the immense potential of the two friendly neighbouring countries.
3. President Ruto and Prime Minister Abiy held high-level talks in Nairobi on 28th February, 2024. The discussions were conducted in a friendly and cordial atmosphere, during which the two leaders recalled the deep historical bonds of friendship forged by the two nations over many years. The deliberations focused on bilateral. regional, and international issues of mutual interest and concern.
4. The two Heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including Trade and Investment. Agriculture, Fisheries, Transport, ICT, Tourism, Health, Culture and Forestry in order to meet national aspirations for socio- economic growth and also actualise Africa Union’s Agenda 2063. More particularly, the meeting committed to the revitalization of the stipulations of the Special Status Agreement of 2012 with special emphasis on trade and investment commitments.
5. The Leaders also noted the need to undertake measures for the enhancement of people-to-people interaction and the facilitation of increased trade between Kenya and Ethiopia. For this reason, and in recognition of long-standing historical understandings, Kenya confirmed that Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) shall be issued gratis to Ethiopian citizens.
6. With regard to the security situation in the Horn of Africa, President Ruto and Prime Minister Abiy underscored the need to maintain peace, security and stability within the continent as a necessary condition for economic growth and development in accordance with universal aspirations. Accordingy, they affirmed their commitment to recognise, respect and uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, and to reject unconstitutional changes of government as well as interference in domestic political processes of African Countries by external interests.
7. On the international front, the Leaders underscored the need to sustain consultations aimed at building partnerships in the multilateral field, to accelerate the implementation of the longstanding reforms of the United Nations and other multilateral organizations in order to make them more representative, democratic, accountable, effective, and responsive to the realities. threats, challenges and opportunities of our time.
8. At the conclusion of the official visit, Prime Minister Abiy expressed profound gratitude and appreciation to President Ruto, the Government, and the People of the Republic of Kenya for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to him and to his delegation.
Issued in Nairobi, the Republic of Kenya on this 28th Day of February, 2024.
