President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, greeting the welcoming party at the Grantley Adams International Airport. (C. Pitt/BGIS)

President of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, was given an official welcome to Barbados, when he arrived at the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) this evening around 5:30.

Accompanied by First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, Margaret Kenyatta, the East African President is on island for a three-day official visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Barbados and Kenya.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley greeted the President and First Lady at the base of their private jet and introduced them to Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF), Colonel Glyne Grannum and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Erwin Boyce.

A military 21-gun salute was given to signify the arrival of the Head of State, followed by the playing of Kenya’s national anthem by the BDF band, which was massed with the Royal Barbados Police Force band.

President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, inspecting the guard of honour accompanied by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley. (C. Pitt/BGIS)

President Kenyatta inspected the Guard of Honour and was introduced to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Dr. Jerome Walcott; Minister of Information, Broadcast and Public Affairs, Senator Lucille Moe; Cabinet Secretary, Cecile Humphrey; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Simone Rudder; and Chief Executive Officer of GAIA, Neville Boxhill.

Prime Minister Mottley met members of the Kenyan delegation, which included Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Monica Juma.

The National Anthem of Barbados was played before both parties retired to the Grace Adams Suite for a tête-à-tête.

While on island, the President will engage in bilateral talks with Prime Minister Mottley and several government ministers.  He will also pay a courtesy call on Governor General Dame Sandra Mason, who will host a welcome reception in his honour at Government House.

Over the next two days, the Kenyan Head of State will meet with a few visiting Caribbean leaders and attend a business forum, designed to sensitize officials from both countries on the investment and trade opportunities in Barbados and Kenya.

First Lady Kenyatta will have a separate itinerary, which includes visits to the Edgar Cochrane Polyclinic, the Ladymeade Reference Unit and a national youth summer camp at the Chesterfield Brewster Empowerment Centre.

Barbados and Kenya established diplomatic relations in 2014. 

shamkoe.pile@barbados.gov.bb

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