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Minister Dlamini Zuma to Host Kenyan
Counterpart for Discussions, Monday, 4th August 2003
Pretoria, South Africa
President Thabo Mbeki will host his Kenyan counterpart,
President Mwai Kibaki for bilateral economic and political
discussions on Tuesday, 5th August 2003 in Pretoria.
The meeting of the Presidents will be preceded by a
meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana
Dlamini Zuma and her Kenyan counterpart, Stephen Musyoka
on Monday, 4th August 2003 at the Diplomatic Guesthouse,
Waterkloof, Pretoria.
Discussions are expected to focus on:
· Co-operation on the African continent following
the second Summit of the African Union (AU) within the
context of the implementation of NEPAD as the Continental
programme for political and economic recovery
· The consolidation of trade relations between
both countries in the context of sound bilateral relations.
South African exports to Kenya for the period January
to December 2002 reached the amount of (R000) 2,318,347
while Kenyan exports to South Africa totaled (R000)
110,136. Apart from its significant economic importance
in the region, Kenya also offers opportunities for our
small and medium enterprises.
· The proposed Joint Commission for Co-operation
(JCC) as a mechanism under which to consolidate relations
between both countries
· Peace processes and conflict resolution on
the Continent with particular reference to the situations
in Somalia and Sudan
· Co-operation in the fight against global terrorism.
This is a significant visit because Kenya is considered
the powerhouse of the East Africa region. The country's
strategic location, its relatively developed infrastructure,
the economic status vis-à-vis other countries
in the region, and the presence of the United Nations
Environmental Program (UNEP) and HABITAT, make Kenya
an important focal point for global role-players. Nairobi
is the hub of regional economic activity and Kenya is
South Africa's largest trading partner on the Continent
outside SADC.
In the Horn of Africa, Kenya is playing a pivotal role
in the complicated and problematic peace processes of
the Sudan and Somalia. The former OAU-mandated the Inter-Governmental
Authority on Development (IGAD) to oversee the above-mentioned
peace processes. In its turn, the seven IGAD member
states (Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia, Uganda
and Djibouti) nominated Kenya to lead and co-ordinate
the process. Under the influence of former President
Moi, Kenya managed to bring together the most important
belligerents in the respective conflicts to embark on
all-inclusive peace processes that would enhance peace
and security in the region.
In addition, Kenya is a member of the UN, the African
Union (AU), Intergovernmental Authority on Development
(IGAD), East African Community (EAC), Common Market
for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), EU-ACP convention
and the Commonwealth.
President Kibaki will be accompanied by Stephen Musyoka,
Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mukhisa Kituyi, Minister
of Trade and Industry; Anyang Nyongo, Minister of Planning
and National Development; C Murungaru, Minister of Internal
Security; Martha Karua, Minister of Water Resource Management
and Amb. P. O Ole Nkuraiyia, Permanent Secretary, Foreign
Affairs.
For further information contact:
· Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853
· Nomfanelo Kota on 082 377 7208
Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
3 August 2003
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