President of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta (left) and Kenyan First Lady, Margaret Kenyatta (centre) with guests who attended the reception held in their honour at Government House. (C. Pitt/BGIS)

There are plans to strengthen interaction and cooperation between Kenya and Barbados, following the official three-day visit of President of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta.

Governor General Dame Sandra Mason made this announcement at a reception held in the President’s honour last evening at Government House.

“I am confident that our common values and shared interests will continue to unite our two countries.  We share similar views on major issues, such as efforts to fight climate change and the recognition of the importance of the sustained development of the Blue Economy.  We have begun to build a relationship which is based on mutual trust and respect.  It is therefore timely to extend our collaboration to a new level, to explore further opportunities for development and to structure a wider network of activity that can only serve to strengthen our bilateral relationship,” Dame Sandra said.

President of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, with Governor General Dame Sandra Mason and Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley. (C. Pitt)

In response, Mr. Kenyatta admitted that engagement with the extended African diaspora, had been “lacking”, adding that the visit was “long overdue”.  The President stressed: “As developing countries, we need to work in solidarity in pursuit of changes that mutually benefit us not only economically, but also internationally, through enhanced bilateral engagement….  It is my belief that this visit will lead to stronger links and bonds of friendships between our two countries and the people of the wider Caribbean region and the African continent.”            

Also attending the reception were Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Chief Justice, Sir Marston Gibson, among other officials.  Members of the visiting Kenyan delegation included Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Monica Juma.

shayla.murrell@barbados.gov.bb

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