Ethiopia and Kenya inked Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to boost cooperation and set new directions for increased partnership, Ethiopia's Foreign Ministry said.
The documents, which were signed at the conclusion of the 36th meeting of the Ethiopia-Kenya Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), cover three main areas: foreign affairs and security, economy and trade, and social affairs, according to the ministry.
"The JMC [...] deliberated on and agreed the Memoranda of Understanding signed during the meeting, to further expedite the cooperation between the two countries in seven (7) key areas including, culture, tourism, petroleum sector development, wildlife protection, blue economy and fisheries, correctional services, and capacity building," the statement read.
Both countries recognized the importance of working together to address regional challenges and reaffirmed their commitment to promot peace, development and prosperity in the region, the ministry noted.
Ethiopia's Foreign Minister Taye Atske Sellasie emphasized the need for a unified response to threats and the significance of tackling common problems like terrorism, violent extremism, human trafficking, unemployment, climate change, and pandemics through collaborative efforts and cooperation.
For his part, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi stated his dedication to enhancing Kenya-Ethiopia relations across multiple sectors. He highlighted the importance of regular consultations, mutual support for each other's interests, and the establishment of a unique and valuable partnership with Ethiopia.
The year 2024 will mark the 60th anniversary of Ethiopia-Kenya diplomatic relations, which were established on June 26, 1964 when the Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi was inaugurated.