By PPS
Posted  Tuesday, May 7   2013 

 

In Summary

• Meeting sought to boost relations between Kenya and Britain

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday held talks with British Prime Minister David Cameron.

During the meeting at Lancaster House before the start of the Somalia conference in London, Mr Cameron praised the strong historical ties that Kenya and the United Kingdom continued to enjoy.

The PM said the relations between the two countries had been mutually beneficial.

He underlined the British Government’s commitment to strengthening the relations.

Mr Cameron said there was room for further improvement in all areas of development cooperation, adding that the UK was particularly keen on enhancing the levels of trade and investment between the two countries.

He commended Kenya for the frontline role it continued to play in the East and Horn of Africa region, saying that its involvement in Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan had contributed to peace and stability in those countries.

He reaffirmed United Kingdom’s commitment to continue partnering with Kenya, other Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) countries and the international community in general in the search for lasting peace in Somalia.

President Kenyatta applauded the fraternal relations between the two countries, saying his government appreciated the assistance the UK continued to extend to Kenya.

The Head of State said the assistance, which targeted critical areas such as education and health, had improved the lives of many Kenyans, particularly in the rural areas.

“I am convinced that we can expand the scope of our bilateral cooperation and traditional friendship based on mutual trust and respect for the benefit of our two countries,” said the President.

The President further said the Kenyan economy was on a strong growth trajectory and invited the British business community to take advantage of the various investment opportunities available in the country.

Addressing the Somalia conference, Mr Kenyatta said Kenya supported the timely return and resettlement of Somali refugees in their motherland as proposed by IGAD.