Diplomacy News

Republic of A Publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Issue No. 0015 September, 2017

Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed delivers country statement during the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, 2017 in New York, USA.

Kenya Calls for Consolidation of UNEP Function

By Edward Irungu financing and ability of UNEP to fulfil its unique coordination mandate within the UN system.” oreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed has urged United Nations Member States to The Cabinet Secretary was speaking in New York on fully consolidate headquarters functions of UNEP in September 22 2017, where she represented President Nairobi. at the 72nd Session of the United F Nations General Assembly. “Kenya insists on the implementation of the decision by heads of state, now enshrined in the Rio Declaration, to consolidate Delivering the country position address at the UN headquarters functions of UNEP in Nairobi,” said Amb. headquarters in New York during the UN general debate, Amina. Amb. Amina Mohamed said climate change is disrupting the livelihoods of millions of people and called for firm “This matter is of grave concern and continues not to receive environmental conservation actions as outlined in the the attention it deserves. The importance of having UNEP in Paris climate agreement. Kenya, in the global south, cannot also be over-emphasized,” added the Cabinet Secretary. “Climate change costs Kenya’s economy approximately 3% of GDP annually,” said the CS. At the same time, the Cabinet Secretary commended the UN for the measures that have been taken so far to strengthen Saying the capacity of the planet to sustain life was and upgrade UNEP to enable it to respond to environmental threatened, the CS urged developed countries to extend challenges. financial, technological and capacity building support to enable developing countries transition to low-carbon Said Amb. Amina Mohamed: “We welcome the move to development. Cont’d page 2 universal membership and the efforts to enhance the

PS Juma Congratulates the Sudan on Lifting of Sanctions………………….. 2 Kenya Committed to Stabilisation of Somalia says, CS Mohamed….5 EU to Fund Peace Programs in The Horn of Africa…………………………. 3 Kenya — UAE in Pact to Strengthen Relations……………………... 6 Kenya-Lithuania in Political Pact……………………………………………. 4 ‘Strengthen Cooperation to end Human Trafficking’……………….6 PS Juma Hails Kenya-Cuba Ties……………………………………. ……….. 4

PS Juma Congratulates the Sudan on Lifting of Sanctions

By Kawira Githinji oreign Affairs Principal Secretary Amb. has applauded the Government and the people of the Republic of Sudan following the Flifting of international sanctions against their country by the United States of America. PS Juma who is currently in the Sudan to attend the Strategic Consultative Peace and Security meeting that started on October 8, 2017, attributed much of the peace and security challenges in Horn of Africa to state fragility. Principal Secretary Monica Juma chairing a session during the Africa Union Strategic “I urge for protection and deepening of Consultative Peace and Security meeting in Khartoum. democracy, enhanced state effectiveness Prof Ghandour congratulated Kenya and shared regional vision and prosperity the electoral law before the repeat and in particular President Uhuru in order to insulate from violent extremism polls. Kenyatta for respecting the verdict of as some of the imperatives to be considered The two officials agreed to the Supreme Court saying these gesture to reverse state fragility in the region,” she had elevated Kenya’s democratic said. enhance cooperation both at the political and economic levels. credentials. During a bilateral meeting with Sudan’s They also agreed to organise a The PS also paid a courtesy on her Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. Ibrahim meeting soon for political counterpart Amb. Abdul Khan Al Ghandour, she briefed the Minister of consultations and explore more Kareem, the Undersecretary of the Kenya’s forthcoming elections and the ways of enhancing cooperation Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the challenges on the proposed amendments to between the two countries. Republic of Sudan.

Call to Consolidate UNEP Function

Cont’d from page 1 “We urge developed countries to meet “The Platform brings together the States to establish an Urban Assembly their pledges to the Green Climate Fund, to government, development to replace the 58-member Governing help developing countries deal with partners, private sector, civil Council at the UN-Habitat in order to adaptation issues,” said the Cabinet society and the UN. This Platform better coordinate urban matters across Secretary. has created diverse SDG the entire UN system. The Cabinet Secretary also called for strong accelerator windows of which “We welcome the confidence that the partnerships toward the realization of Primary Healthcare has been the UN membership has expressed in our Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) first”. country by locating UN-Habitat in saying there is a lot of talk about Amb. Amina Mohamed said Kenya Nairobi,” said Amb. Amina Mohamed. partnership but not enough practical, on- targets to enhance health care the-ground support to make partnerships services for women, children and The Cabinet Secretary also addressed a effective in practice. adolescents across the country wide range of other multilateral issues including the reform of the United “Governments and stakeholders should which will pave way for universal Nations Security Council, global revitalize the global partnership for health coverage for all 46 million terrorism, peace and security, global sustainable development, particularly Kenyans by 2021. counter trafficking in persons, through development co-operation and The CS quoted President Uhuru prohibition of nuclear weapons and development financing,” said the CS. Kenyatta saying: “I pledge to take management of refugees and The Cabinet Secretary said Kenya was the needed sustainable actions to migrants. committed to achieving the SDGs citing the end all preventable deaths of The CS affirmed Kenya’s commitment provision of free maternal health care women, children and adolescents to multilateralism saying Kenya was services across the country as the first step. within a generation and ensure their well-being; we hold ourselves committed to working together with The Cabinet Secretary further said Kenya, accountable for our collective other members of the international together with the United Nations, has progress towards this goal.” community in tackling the challenges established an SDG Partnership Platform of the 21st Century. that aims to accelerate the attainment of The Cabinet Secretary also called the SDGs in the country. upon United Nations Members

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EU to Fund Peace Programs in The Horn of Africa

IGAD Foreign Ministers and Vice President of the European Union H.E. Federica Mogherini when they met in Brussels to discuss Regional Peace & Security on September 29, 2017.

By Jane Kariuki Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and the peace process in South Sudan in Uganda after a meeting held in June. enya is among countries in March 2017 in the margins of the the Horn of Africa that will African Union Summit in Addis Both sided concurred on the crucial receive approximately 4.1 Ababa. importance of Somalia’s security and billion Euros from the state building progress for the stability KEuropean Union to fund commercial The meeting focused on the multiple of the region. related programs that are linked to challenges affecting the security, stability and prosperity of the Horn of The EU reiterated its support for the promoting peace, security and post- African Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) conflict reconstruction in the region. Africa ranging from protracted conflicts and transnational crime to while highlighting the need for fairer The allocation that has already been irregular migration and poor burden sharing of the international approved by EU Parliament will be economic development. community and a gradual ownership administered directly by the EU by the region. Mrs. Mogherini reiterated the EU’s External Action Service, the equivalent In dedicated discussions on the of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. continued engagement and support to the security and stability of the Horn, humanitarian situation in the Horn, The announcement was made on through close political ties and the Commissioner Stylianides welcomed September 29, 2017 in Brussels during EU’s substantial cooperation and the solidarity shown by several an informal Ministerial meeting security commitments, including countries in the Horn hosting millions between Foreign Ministers of through its EUCAP Somalia and of refugees. International Governmental Authority ATALANTA missions. Both sides Amb. Amina Mohamed reiterated the for Development (IGAD) member states agreed to reinforce collaboration on need for burden sharing as a way of and Mrs. Federica Mogherini, the Vice transnational crime, maritime supporting each other in the President & High Representative of the security and border management, in repatriation process. European Union for Foreign Affairs and full respect of the rule of law and Security Policy. protection and of human rights. “The success of the Nairobi Action Plan is anchored on the willingness of all Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet They also exchanged views on stakeholders to mobilize needed Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed concrete avenues for cooperation on resources and to stick to the attended the meeting accompanied by cross border trade and investment commitments undertaken during the Amb. Johnson Weru, Kenyan through EU instruments and Nairobi Summit” She said. The Nairobi Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium programmes, notably the new EU summit was about domestication of and European Union and Amb. Martin External Investment Plan. New York Declaration for refugees and Kimani, Director National Counter migrants. Terrorism Centre in Nairobi. The EU commended IGADs important initiatives to manage the Both sides reaffirmed their willingness This was an informal meeting between reconciliation processes in Somalia to ensure a substantial outcome of the Mrs Federica Mogherini and the upcoming AU-EU summit to be held in foreign ministers for Djibouti, , and South Sudan and welcomed IGAD’s Summit decision to revitalise Ivory Coast in November 2017.

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Kenya - Lithuania in Political Pact

By Edwin Limo enya and the Republic of Lithuania have signed a bilateral agreement to establish a mechanism for political consultations to K strengthen bilateral relations. Foreign Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed and her Lithuanian counterpart Mr. Linus Linkevicius put paper to pen in a brief ceremony held on the side- lines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA on September 21, 2017. “The parties will hold regular and active consultations, with the aim of exchanging views on all aspects of their bilateral relations, regional and international issues of mutual interest as well as developments taking place in regional and international for a,” the MoU states. Lithuania is represented in East Africa through a consulate in Nairobi represented by Senior Counsel George Oraro, while Kenya administers Vilnius through its ambassador in Moscow, . The consultations within the framework of the MoU will held between senior officials of the Foreign ministries of the two countries. Areas for partnership between the two countries include manufacturing, agricultural equipment, technology in energy, life sciences, training in Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed with her Lithuanian counterpart medical science, information technology, agri- Mr. Linus Linkevicius after signing a bilateral agreement on September 21, business, tourism, coffee and tea. 2017 in New York, USA

PS Juma Hails Kenya-Cuba Ties By Kawira Githinji appreciation of enya, Cuba the need to r e l a t i o n s embrace new continue to strategies. deepen as the “I reaffirm our Ktwo countries ties in the quest to cooperate in different develop necessary areas following the skills among our inaugurate Kenya officers for Mission in Havana by calling to Foreign Affairs international Principal Secretary engagement.” Amb Monica Juma in 2016. The PS said the Cuban Ambassador to Kenya Amb. Ernesto Gomez Diaz (3rd Left), Principal Secretary Ministry staff is Speaking during the Monica Juma (4th Left), KSG Director General Dr. Ludeki Chweya (4th Right) with Cadets who went through a three-month course on Spanish Language at Kenya School of exposed to graduation ceremony Government on September 13, 2017. d i f f e r e n t of Foreign Service languages, officers’ Spanish language course working closely with all partners to cultures and traditions of people from facilitated by Cuban Government achieve common goals.” all over the world. Training in through Cuban Embassy and Cuban languages greatly helps diplomats to Diplomatic Academy, Principal The three months course held at elevate themselves as we live in a Secretary Amb. Monica Juma Kenya School of Government and multilingual and multicultural world. commended the Cuba for the support conducted by Foreign Service on capacity building. Academy involved 24 participants, all The Cuban Ambassador to Kenya, Amb. staff from the Ministry of Foreign Ernesto Gómez Díaz applauded the “I appreciate the Cuban Embassy for Affairs. relations between the two countries making the course a reality,” the PS and reiterated his country’s interest for said adding that she looks forward to The PS reiterated the Ministry’s focus further cooperation. on foreign language based on the

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Kenya Committed to Stabilisation of Somalia says, CS Amina Mohamed

Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed speaks during a high-level meeting on Somali on September 22, 2017 in New York on the side-lines of the United Nations General Assembly.

By Edward Irungu beyond speculation to establish their facilitate the expansion and extension presence there. of critical public services by the enya is committed to the She said the successful conclusion of Government to the population,” said stabilisation of Somalia and the 2016/2017 electoral process that Amina. calls upon development led to the assumption to office by She said Kenya welcomes the partners to support the President Mohamed Abdullahi in a international community and friends Kcountry that has experienced more peaceful transition had set Somalia on to partner with Somalia and Kenya by than two decades of instability, Foreign a path towards improved governance availing additional resources for more Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina and political stability, including the capacity building programmes for Mohamed has said. fight against corruption. Somali officials which could be delivered in Kenya’s institutions. Speaking during a high-level meeting “Somalia today has in place, an elected on Somalia held on September 22, and more broadly based government Security remains the single most 2017 on the side-lines of the United that has demonstrated commitment to: important factor in Somalia’s political Nations General Assembly in New formulate a new constitution; create a and economic aspirations. The York, Amb Mohamed said as a viable federal system of government; situation remains precarious as the Al neighbour, long-term friend and and, rebuild state institutions,” said Ms Shabaab terror group appears to have partner, Kenya will do whatever it can Mohamed. invigorated their heinous acts of to help Somalia to remain on this terror, threatening a rollback of the positive trajectory. She said through a framework of a gains that have been made. bilateral Joint Commission for She thanked those in attending the Cooperation, Kenya had made Kenya supports other regional and High-Level Meeting including the commitments including the international initiatives on Somalia. , Ethiopia and Italy, establishment of more border posts to One of these initiatives was the London and assured them of Kenya’s ease the movement of people; Conference on Somalia whose third commitment to supporting the long resumption of direct air services edition in May 2017endorsed a New search peace and stability in Somalia. between Mogadishu and Nairobi; and Partnership for Somalia. training on behalf of the Government “In spite of the many challenges that of Somalia, an agreed number of CS Mohamed said Kenya shall remain Somalia still faces, remarkable positive teachers, nurses and administrators. a faithful partner to the People of developments have been witnessed in Somalia and will continue to work almost every sector, placing it on ‘Kenya will do closely with the Federal Government, course towards socio-economic and whatever it can to help the region and the international political transformation, said CS community in getting Somalia out of Amina. Somalia.’ the shadows of conflict into a future that holds a bright promise for this She said Mogadishu was now open for “We believe that these modest capacity and coming generations. business and investors were moving building assistance programmes will

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Kenya - UAE in Pact to Strengthen Relations

By Edwin Limo issuance office was established at the Kenyan Embassy in Abu enya and United Dhabi.

Arabs Emirates The UAE opened its Embassy in (UAE) today Nairobi in 2012 while UAE set signed a bilateral camp in Nairobi on November Kagreement to establish a 17, 2014, by opening its mechanism for political Consular Section and Visa consultations aimed at Issuance Centre in Nairobi. strengthening existing bilateral relations and The exchange of high-level cooperation. and significant visits have further cemented relations In a brief ceremony on the between the two countries. side-lines of the ongoing Trade between the two United Nations General countries deal mainly in Gold, Assembly in New York, non-monetary (excluding gold USA, the two country’s ores and concentrates), and Foreign Ministers, Amb tea for Kenya’s exports and Amina Mohamed and His from UAE import crude, Highness Sheikh Abdullah Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed with her counterpart UAE’s Petroleum oils and oils bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Foreign Minister His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayeed exchange obtained from bituminous UAE put paper to ink on minerals). signed bilateral agreements on September 18, 2017 on the side-lines what they reckoned was of UNGA in New York, USA. There are approximately an affirmation of the 20,000 Kenyans living and importance of coordinating bilateral exchange views in a structured manner in working in the UAE. A relations and regional and consultations to be held in Abu Dhabi and majority of this number, work international issues of common Nairobi alternately and also on the margins of in hospitality, aviation and interests. international conferences and meetings. security sectors. Other sectors The two countries will, going forward, Kenya and the UAE enjoy warm and cordial include medical, construction, hold consultations on bilateral issues of relations. Kenya opened a diplomatic Mission in engineering and mutual interest in all fields and Abu Dhabi in 1982 and in April 2014, a passport telecommunications. ‘Strengthen Cooperation to end Human Trafficking’ By Edward Irungu Amb Amina Mohamed said individual country oreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary efforts are not sufficient adding that ending To contain this challenge Amb. Amb. Amina Mohamed has forced labour, modern slavery and human Amina Mohamed said Kenya urged the international trafficking requires coordinated global enacted the Counter community to join hands and cooperation. Trafficking in Persons Act in Fstrengthen cooperation in combating 2010. forced labour, modern slavery and “We need an integrated global platform to “This Act domesticated the human trafficking. increase public awareness and share good practices on how to eliminate human trafficking United Nations Convention The Cabinet Secretary regretted that and smuggling at the national, regional and against Transnational despite national and international global levels,” said the CS. Organised Crime, including its commitments, forced labour, modern protocol to prevent, suppress slavery & human trafficking have Amb. Amina Mohamed called for concerted and punish trafficking in continued well into the 21st century. efforts in addressing the socio-economic and persons, especially women and political drivers of human trafficking as well as children,” said the Cabinet “Kenya welcomes the forthcoming loop-holes that aid slavery and trafficking. Secretary. review of Global Plan of Action to combat trafficking in persons,” said “We must work together to address loop-holes Despite these efforts, the CS Amb. Amina Mohamed. that aid slavery and trafficking including said the war on trafficking is ensuring effective border management, relevant undermined by inadequate “We are optimistic that the review will capacity building for immigration and other funding, lack of data on open a new chapter in the war on relevant officials and efficient monitoring of victims of trafficking, low these barbaric practices that should local and international employment agencies,” awareness by the public on have no place in the 21st Century,” the said the Cabinet Secretary. human trafficking, and family CS added. dynamics in aiding trafficking The Cabinet Secretary further noted that Kenya of persons. Amb. Amina Mohamed was speaking was not exempt from the menace of human on September 2017 during a “Call to trafficking saying Kenya is a country of origin, “Working together to address Action to end forced labour, modern transit and destination in human trafficking. these challenges will go a long slavery and human trafficking,” hosted way in mitigating and by UK Prime Minister Ms. Theresa “Sadly, Kenyans are trafficked to various eventually eradicating this May, on the side-lines of the 72nd countries for the purposes of domestic labour challenge,” said the CS. United Nations General Assembly in and commercial sex exploitation,” said the CS. New York. 6

PICTORIAL

Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed met with Omani’s Ambassador in Kenya Mr. Saleh Al Harthi, on October 2, 2017 at her office. Mr. Harthi, delivered a message of upcoming visit of Mr. Mohamed Bin Hamad, Minister of Oil and Gas.

Principal Secretary Amb. Monica Juma held talks with 46th Army High Command of India on September 26, 2017 at her Foreign Affairs office. The Indian delegation led by Major General Mandip Sigh VSM are on a study tour to Kenya. They were accompanied by the India High Commissioner to Kenya Her Excellency Ms. Suchitra Durai .

Political and Diplomatic Secretary Amb. Tom Amolo meets Israeli Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Noah Gendler, when he paid him a courtesy call at his office on October 10, 2017.

Team Kenya to All Africa Championship with Amb. Lucy Chelimo during flag raising ceremonial at Elephant Hills Golf Club, Victoria Falls, on October 10, 2017.

7 Vision PICTORIAL A peaceful, prosperous and globally competitive Kenya

Mission CS Amb. Amina Mohamed met Ambassadors resident in Nairobi To project, promote and at her Foreign Affairs office on protect Kenya’s interests and October5, 2017. image globally through innovative diplomacy, and They exchanged views on the contribute towards a just, current political situation in the Country . peaceful and equitable world Core Values

• Customer Focus

• Patriotism PS Monica Juma held a bilateral meeting with • Team Spirit Prof. Ibrahim Ghandour, Minister of Foreign • Professionalism Affairs of the Sudan in Khartoum on October 9, 2017. • Ethics and Integrity

• Equity and fairness

Kenya Team to WTO-Informal mini -Ministerial Meeting at Palais de Congress in Marrackech.

Amb Nelson Ndirangu represented CS Amb. Amina Mohamed. www.mfa.go.ke L-R Amb. Stephen Kamau, Ms. Njambi Kinyugu, Amb. Nelson Ndirangu and Mr. Robson Wanjala

@ForeignOfficeKE

PS Monica Juma met Irish Ambassador to Kenya Dr Vincent O`Neill at her office on October 5, ForeignOfficeKE 2017.

Dr. O’Neill informed of up coming visit of Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney.

Foreign Office KE

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Editor - Edwin Limo Harambee Avenue Sub Editor - Jane Kariuki P.O. Box 30551—GPO 00100, Nairobi/Kenya Design & Layout - Kawira Githinji Tel: +254 20 4949 000, +254 20 331 8888 Photography - Andrew Kuria Email : [email protected]; [email protected]

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