Kenya, Israel sign agreements on health, immigration

President Uhuru Kenyatta with Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu (left) at State House in Nairobi. (Photo: Pius Cheruiyot/Standard) 

Nairobi: President Uhuru Kenyatta today said the future of Kenya-Israeli friendship is bright and will bring more development and improved security for Kenyans.

The President said this after holding bilateral talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who is in the country for a three-day state visit.

President Kenyatta said the 50-year relationship between Kenya and Israel is set to be strengthened after the two countries signed more pacts and agreed to work more closely on security matters.

“The agreements will allow us to build the capacity of our health systems and professionals in the area of emergency preparedness and resources as well as specialised medical services,” said President Kenyatta when he addressed a joint press conference with PM Netanyahu.

The agreements signed covered the areas of health and immigration that will see the abolition of certain categories of visas.

“These agreements build on 50 years of cooperation and I am confident that with their implementation, and as we find more ways of collaborating, the relationship between Israel and Kenya can only grow,” said President Kenyatta.

The President said he also spoke with PM Netanyahu about the peace process between Israel and Palestine, adding that Kenya was for sustainable solution.

“Kenya is certainly committed to supporting a peace process in whatever way she can and we continue to see Israel as a critical partner, friend and ally, which is the more reason we desire peace in that region of the world,” said President Kenyatta.

The Israeli PM also pushed for Kenya to support Israel’s bid to be given an observer status at the African Union.

President Kenyatta responded and said the world has changed together with the challenges that face humanity.

“The world has changed and the nature of global problems have changed from what they were 30 years ago. I think there is need for Africa to reengage with Israel,” said President Kenyatta.

On his part, PM Netanyahu said Israel views Kenya as its best partner in Africa and that the two countries share common opportunities.

Mr Netanyahu said Israel has been supporting Kenya to fight terrorism and has been sharing intelligence information with Kenyan security forces.

The PM said Israel will work with Kenya to gain a foothold in Africa as the continent rises economically.

“There is a rising tide in Africa and a rising tide lifts all ships,” said the Israeli leader.

President Kenyatta and PM Netanyahu also flagged off a new group of students who are headed to Israel to learn irrigation and automated agriculture technologies.

The two leaders were in the afternoon scheduled to address a Kenya-Israel Business Forum.