NAIROBI, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has called for the establishment of a new framework of cooperation with Britain as it exits from the European Union in 2019.
Kenyatta said the two countries should anchor on the existing strong trade and commercial ties to build an even more formidable partnership for the mutual benefit of their citizens.
"We in Kenya have settled on a new agenda, the Big Four, which prioritizes food security, affordable housing, manufacturing, and healthcare. In each of these areas, we believe, there is scope for engagement between Kenya and the UK, for the benefit of both," he said on Thursday night during a dinner hosted in honor of the visiting British Prime Minister Theresa May.
In a statement issued on Friday after the event in Nairobi, Kenyatta said there is need to strengthen the bond further by setting up a working group to lead discussions with a view of coming up with a clearer and stronger framework for cooperation between the two countries.
He said the total value of trade between the two nations last year was 1.5 billion British pounds, making the UK, Kenya's fourth largest trading partner.
"In short: the present value of Kenya-UK trade is nowhere near close to its full value. With your help, and with the goodwill of all here today, I look forward to raising our trade and investment to new heights," said Kenyatta.
He reiterated that Kenya's Big Four development agenda provides a unique opportunity for British investors to increase trade and investments and urged them to explore other areas of immense potential for growth in trade available in sectors such as mining, oil and gas, services and retail, tourism and hospitality.
Speaking during the event, May said time has come for the two countries to forge a stronger partnership which will leave an indelible mark for current and future generations.
"While our nations have already achieved much together as friends, partners and equals, now is the moment to strengthen our relationship further," said May as she called for global peace and prosperity anchored on mutually beneficial partnerships.
"Let us leave the next generation a partnership even more vital than the one we enjoy today- and a world in which all our people enjoy the fruits of peace and prosperity." she said.
The British PM noted that her country is now forging a new and more globally connected future even as it exits from the European Union, noting that Kenya is a natural good destination of British investments given the already existing strong ties.
Meanwhile, May also announced the entry of 20 new UK businesses in Kenya, a feat she termed as a clear demonstration of the confidence the British business community has in Kenya's attractive investment environment.
