President Kenyatta praised the strong ties existing between Kenya and Britain, saying he was looking forward to deepening relations for the mutual benefit of both countries.
The President said his government was open and willing to work with other countries on the basis of mutual respect and within the principle of reciprocity.
President Kenyatta cited tourism, infrastructure development and security as some of the key areas of cooperation between the two countries and said he was looking forward to continued support from Britain in many areas of national endeavour, particularly in mobilizing resources internationally to finance development programmes.
The President also recognized the continued cooperation between Kenya and Britain on security matters, saying he was looking forward to working closely with the UK and other countries in the Somali peace process within the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) framework.
On his part, Dr. Turner said Kenya and Britain enjoy a special relationship, the depth of which was reflected by statistics on trade between the two countries, the number of British tourists visiting the country and the level of development assistance.
The High Commissioner said Britain will continue to support Kenya’s development endeavours towards achieving double digit economic growth as pledged by the Jubilee coalition.
On security in the country and the region, Dr. Turner reiterated his government’s commitment to continued cooperation on stabilizing Somalia in order to ensure peace and security in the region.
The High Commissioner assured the President that Britain will continue to work with IGAD and other stakeholders in the Somali peace process and looked forward to a positive outcome in the forthcoming Somalia conference in London.
Dr. Turner had paid the President a courtesy call at State House. Also in attendance were Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Mr Francis Kimemia and Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Mr Thuita Mwangi.
- Daily Nation
