NAIROBI, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Kenya and Lesotho on Monday signed three key pacts that are geared towards boosting the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The three deals which were witnessed by President Uhuru Kenyatta and visiting Motsoahae Thomas Thabane, Prime Minister of Lesotho were an agreement on the establishment of a Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC), a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for bilateral consultations as well as a MoU in the field of Sports.
Speaking after signing the deal, Kenyatta said Lesotho continues to be one of Kenya's strongest allies on the global stage.
He said the three agreements which were inked in Nairobi marked the beginning of a new chapter of bilateral cooperation between Kenya and Lesotho.
He pointed out that the MoU on co-operation in sports will see the two countries enhance cooperation in training and the application of sports operations.
The Kenyan leader said the agreement on the establishment of a JCC will enable the two countries to identify and explore areas of cooperation while the MoU on sports will provide an opportunity for development of sports as an economic activity.
He noted that the agreement on Bilateral Consultations will pave the way for the two countries to hold consultations on both bilateral and multilateral matters affecting the two countries at regional, continental and global levels.
Kenyatta added that the conclusion of a framework for bilateral cooperation and political consultations will ensure that the two countries bolster their political, diplomatic and trade relations through regular and structured engagements and strategic cooperation.
"I urge our respective teams to work expeditiously to ensure that the negotiations are completed and that the framework is put in place," Kenyatta said in a statement issued after holding bilateral ties with the Lesotho prime minister.
Kenyatta said Kenya is keen to learn about developing the textile sector from Lesotho as the country implements its development plan dubbed the Big 4 Agenda especially the manufacturing pillar.
Lesotho has one of the most vibrant textile sectors on the African continent with a growing share of the global apparel market.
He emphasized that Kenya is on the verge of reviving its textile industry which has the potential to create high value jobs to help address the challenge of unemployment that is facing the youth.
Thabane, who arrived in the country on Sunday evening for a three-day state visit, applauded Kenyatta's leadership, saying he looked forward to enhanced ties between the East African nation and Lesotho.
"I know you to be a good man and I encourage you to continue to be a good man. I know you to be a generous person and I encourage you to continue to be a generous person. I know you to be my friend and I want you to continue to be my friend," he said.
