Kenyan diplomat: Kenya impressed with VN’s “open-door”, development policies
VGP – Kenya is impressed with Viet Nam’s socio-economic development and the nation’s “open-door” and development policies, expecting to learn valuable experience from Viet Nam, said Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ambassador Monica Juma during her meeting with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on December 3 in Ha Noi.
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Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc receives Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ambassador Monica Juma, Ha Noi, December 3, 2019 - Photo: VGP |
Monica Juma supposed that the two nations should share their common viewpoints on such issues as freedom, pursuit of happiness, prosperity and enhancement of solidarity, expressing her hope to promote the relationship to a higher level.
She congratulated Viet Nam on winning the non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council with high vote, committing to supporting and closely cooperating with Viet Nam to fulfill the role. She hoped that Viet Nam will back Kenya to nominate to the non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in the next tenure to raise the voice of developing nations for peace and stability in the world.
As Viet Nam takes over the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020, it will create favorable conditions for further cooperation between the East African Community (EAC) and ASEAN, thus promoting South-South cooperation.
The Kenyan diplomat reported to the PM her talks with Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh, during which the two sides consented to boost trade and investment, considering launching a new direct air route, discussing entry visa exemption for official passport holders, an investment protection agreement and a double taxation avoidance agreement as well as accelerating cooperation in all spheres of agriculture, industry, health care, information and technology.
Kenya expects to play the bridging role for Viet Nam and Africa, she asserted.
For his side, Phuc suggested the two sides actively negotiate and head to sign documents to create a legal framework for expanding cooperation in all sectors.
He referred to big opportunities in cooperation, especially in terms of trade, agriculture, transport, construction, education and health. However, the two-way trade value only attained US$50 million.
He asked to strengthen visits at all levels, especially that between high-ranking delegations, adding that Viet Nam welcomes the Kenyan President to pay a visit in the time ahead and a business delegation from Kenya to Viet Nam to seek for cooperative and business opportunities.
The two sides will support each other at multi-lateral, international and regional forums, he said, confirming that Viet Nam acknowledges and actively considers Kenya’s proposal to nominate for the non-permanent seat of the United Nations Security Council.
Viet Nam is willing to assist Kenya to get access and expand cooperation with ASEAN countries, he affirmed, proposing Kenya facilitate Viet Nam’s goods to penetrate into the country, giving priority to such products as food, commodities and electronics.
By Thuy Dung
