By PPS
Nairobi, Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta held talks at State House with British High Commissioner Christian Turner, who paid him a courtesy call.
President Uhuru hailed the strong ties between Kenya and United Kingdom (UK) saying he looks forward to deepening the relations for mutual benefit of the two countries.
During the talks on Tuesday evening, the President said his Government is open and willing to work with other countries on the basis of mutual respect and within the principle of reciprocity.
The Head of State further reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to continue partnering with UK in the development process.
President Uhuru cited tourism, infrastructure development and security as some of the key areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Development programmes
The Head of State noted UK is the leading source of tourists for the country.
He underpinned the commitment of his Government to expanding tourism by marketing Kenya not only as an eco-tourism attraction but also as a commercial destination of choice.
President Uhuru said he looks forward to continued support from UK in many areas of national endeavour, especially in mobilising resources internationally to finance development programmes.
The President, at the same time, hailed the continued cooperation between Kenya and UK on security matters, saying he looks forward to working closely with UK and other countries in the Somali-peace process within the IGAD framework.
Dr Turner said Kenya and Britain enjoy a special relationship, the depth of which is reflected by statistics on trade between the two countries, the number of tourists and level of development assistance.
Economic growth
The High Commissioner said UK will continue to support Kenya’s development endeavours towards achieving double digit economic growth as pledged to Kenyans by Jubilee coalition.
Dr Turner said his Government was committed to doubling investment in Kenya within the next four years. The High Commissioner assured of UK’s support to infrastructure development and transformation of Nairobi into East African capital of financial services.
Somali peace
Turner reiterated his Government’s commitment to continued cooperation on stabilising Somalia to ensure peace and security in the region.
The High Commissioner assured the President that UK will continue to work with IGAD and other stakeholders in the Somali peace process and looked forward to positive outcome in the forthcoming Somali conference in London.
The talks were attended by Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet Francis Kimemia, PS Foreign Affairs Thuita Mwangi and other senior Government officials.
