Emir and Kenyan President hold talks in Nairobi

Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and President of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, held yesterday a round of official talks at the presidential palace in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi.

At the outset of the session, the Kenyan president welcomed the Emir and the accompanying delegation and thanked him for accepting the invitation to visit Kenya, stressing that the visit is a significant step in developing historic ties between the two countries on all fronts, particularly in investment and agriculture, and adding that his recent visit to Doha and the visit of the Emir to Kenya constitute a strong basis for boosting bilateral ties.

In turn, the Emir expressed his delight at visiting Kenya, expressing thanks to the Kenyan president and the friendly Kenyan people for the warm hospitality, noting that relations linking the region to the African continent are historic and it is important to constantly develop and enhance them. 

The Emir noted that Qatar and Kenya have mutual cooperation in many fields and there are several opportunities to enhance it, stressing the strategic importance of Kenya and adding that the visit will help in pushing ties forward.

The meeting reviewed bilateral relations across all levels and means of boosting and developing them in the different areas of cooperation that could benefit the two friendly countries and peoples. The two sides also discussed regional and international developments and stances of both countries towards them, stressing the need to denounce terrorism in all forms and manifestations and reject violence and extremism regardless of their source.

Their Excellencies members of the official delegation accompanying the Emir attended the session along with a number of Kenyan ministers and senior officials. 

The also attended a luncheon banquet hosted by Uhuru Kenyatta in honour of the Emir and his accompanying delegation at the presidential palace. 

A number of Kenyan ministers and senior officials attended the banquet along with heads of Arab diplomatic missions accredited to Kenya. 

The Emir also met with a number of businessmen, investors, owners and heads of major trade companies in Qatar and Kenya who are taking part in the Qatari-Kenyan Business Forum, which is organized by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce and Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in cooperation with Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Kenya Investment Authority and Kenya Private Sector Alliance, and takes place in conjunction with HH the Emir's visit to Kenya. 

During the welcoming ceremony, held at Nairobi's Kempinski, the Emir exchanged views with the participants on general economic topics and opportunities to strengthen trade and investment between both countries.

Their Excellencies members of the official delegation attended the ceremony.