Uhuru meets Japan's Foreign minister to discuss strengthening of ties

Japan is seeking to strengthen its bilateral ties with Kenya.

The country's Foreign Affairs Minister Toshimitsu Motegi who is on a two-day visit in Kenya expressed Japan’s continued commitment to supporting Kenya's development programs especially key infrastructure projects.

"This visit will see our two countries strengthen our relations. Japan sees Kenya as a key partner and a gateway to Africa thus prioritizing investment in the country," Toshimitsu told President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday.

The Foreign Affairs Minister singled out the ongoing expansion of Mombasa Port and the development of the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as some of the projects that his government is keen on seeing through.

During the courtesy call at State House, the Japan Minister also briefed the Uhuru on the planned Japan-Kenya Business Dialogue which is set to be held later this year in Japan and extended Prime Minister Yoshide Suga's invitation.

On his part, President Uhuru acknowledged Japan's continued support for Kenya's development programs saying Kenya will continue working on deepening its long and historical ties with the Asian nation.

"We truly appreciate your support that has been visible in several sectors of our economy, and we look forward to a more intentional partnership even as the world continues to face the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic," he said.

During his two-day visit, Motegi and his delegation held several bilateral meetings with Kenyan counterparts to explore ways of expanding economic collaboration between Kenya and Japan in the post-Covid era and beyond.

Present during the State House meeting include Cabinet Secretaries Raychelle Omamo (Foreign Affairs) and Ukur Yatani (National Treasury) as well as Head of Public Service Dr Joseph Kinyua and State House Deputy Chief of Staff incharge of Strategy Ruth Kagia.

Also present were Foreign Affairs Chief Administrative Secretary Ababu Namwamba and Kenya's Ambassador to Japan Tabu Irina.