Kenya and Ethiopia have concluded a strategic framework agreement to promote bilateral cooperation in areas of economic and social development.
This was announced during the 36th Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, amid emphasis on deepening bilateral ties between the two countries.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi led the Kenyan delegation in Wednesday’s session, where he noted that the commission has helped resolve outstanding bilateral and regional issues and also improved the country’s political, economic, and social interaction.
“I am excited by this great opportunity to explore ways to strengthen the friendly relations between our two countries on economic, social, security, and foreign relations,” Mudavadi said.
Mudavadi, also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs co-chaired the JMC with Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie.
Mudavadi praised the long-standing relations between Kenya and Ethiopia, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to work closely with the country’s leadership.
He also underscored the need for Kenya and Ethiopia to resolve trade barriers, including tariff and non-tariff barriers, that stifle the expansion of trade between the two partners. This, he said, will also aid in fostering regional peace and security, development, and cooperation for the benefit of the people of the two countries and the region.
“The changes in the regional and global environment demand the engagement of Ethiopia and Kenya for regular interaction as we build our partnership at the bilateral level, regional and at continental level, but also internationally,” he pointed out.
“The 36th JMC has provided an opportunity for Kenya and Ethiopia to enhance their cooperation in regional and global issues of mutual interest,” he added.
The two countries pledged to enhance their cooperation and signed a Memorandum of Understanding in seven areas namely tourism, wildlife, culture, blue economy, petroleum, correctional services, and capacity building in public service.
“On our part, we are also committed to bolstering our ties with Kenya and working for peace and prosperity, including through enhanced security along the common border,” stated Selassie.
“We agreed to promote parliamentary diplomacy through exchange visits by Speakers of Kenya’s National Assembly and Ethiopia’s House of Peoples Representatives,” said Mudavadi.
They also agreed on time-bound monitoring, including a midterm review to be hosted by Kenya in February next year to assess progress and prepare for the next JMC in 2026.
Mudavadi and Selassie appreciated the JMC negotiation teams spearheaded by Ambassador Fisseh Shawul, Ethiopia’s Director General for African affairs, and Kenya’s Ambassador Moi Lemoshira, Director General of Bilateral and Political Affairs.
The Kenyan delegation included Amb. George Orina, Kenya’s envoy in Addis, and Chimwaga Mongo, Secretary, State Department for Roads.
The Ethiopia-Kenya Joint Ministerial Commission Meeting began on Monday in Addis Ababa after a seven-year hiatus due to a variety of reasons as announced by the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This year, Ethiopia and Kenya will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on June 26, 1964.
