Kenya and UAE to sign 12 more agreements, says Duale

Kenya and the United Arab Emirates are set to expand their bilateral.

Cabinet Secretary for Defence Aden Duale on Saturday announced that the two states are set to sign 12 agreements.

"Our two countries are at various stages of negotiating twelve more instruments. I am glad that substantial progress has recently been achieved in concluding negotiations on these important instruments," he said on Saturday.

Already, there are 14 memoranda of understanding which have been signed between the countries on promotion,  protection of investments and cooperation on labour issues, among others.

The CS was speaking during the 52nd Anniversary of the Independence of the United Arab Emirates held in Nairobi.

"I convey our heartfelt congratulations from the Government and people of the Republic of Kenya to the Government and people of the United Arab Emirates," Duale said.

The CS stated that UAE has strived since attaining independence 52 years ago, the United Arab Emirates has strived to transform their country into one of the most industrious and prosperous nations in the world.

Duale noted that the UAE is a very important and strategic partner to Kenya and the two countries cooperate at many levels and in a wide range of areas including education, trade, labour, tourism, sports, transport among others.

"Kenya and the United Arab Emirates have undertaken frequent official and High-Level visits. This is a clear testimony of the strength and importance of the ties that exist between our two countries," he added.

Going further, the CS also highlighted that there are opportunities for strategic partnerships in the fields of renewable energy, telecommunications, and agriculture between Kenya and UAE.

"I believe that Kenya and the United Arab Emirates will use the existing mechanism of the Kenya -UAE Joint Commission for Cooperation to explore, in greater detail, the most practical steps needed to promote this cooperation," Duale said.

In addition, the CS stated that Kenya was looking forward to the  Kenya-UAE Joint Commission for Cooperation in UAE, at a time convenient for both countries.

"We are convinced the forum will give impetus to the valuable cooperation that exists between our two countries," he added.

In June, President William Ruto said Kenya will partner with the United Arab Emirates to ensure the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference succeeds.

He spoke at State House where he met the UAE Minister for Industry and Cooperatives, Sultan Al-Jaber.

Al-Jaber is also the designated President for COP28.

“We are determined to work hand in hand to ensure Cop28 and the African Climate Action Summit will deliver real and tangible results for the climate as well as the people of Africa, and the world,” he said.

Ruto and Al-Jaber said they are looking forward to COP 28 as a turning point in climate action.

“We will work together to facilitate the highest possible ambition across every climate pillar at Cop28,” he said.