State visit · 25 January 2025
I take this opportunity to extend my profound appreciation and sincere gratitude to His Excellency Gen. Umaro Sissoco Embalo, President of the Republic of Guinea Bissau, for honouring us with this State Visit to Kenya. Your presence here speaks to the deep bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two nations.
We have just concluded highly productive bilateral discussions with my dear brother, during which we reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening and advancing the excellent relations that exist between our countries. Our engagements have been marked by a spirit of mutual respect and a shared vision for prosperity and development.
In our deliberations, we reiterated the importance of continuous and open dialogue in addressing matters of mutual interest, with the aim of fostering greater understanding and developing solutions that align with our respective aspirations. This approach will further solidify our bilateral ties and enhance collaboration across various sectors.
This State Visit has provided a valuable opportunity to explore avenues for enhancing trade and investment between Kenya and Guinea-Bissau. We acknowledge the immense potential that exists in leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement to expand economic opportunities. Together, we are committed to harnessing this potential to drive economic growth and sustainable development for the benefit of our people.
At the continental level, we engaged in discussions on critical issues of common interest. As the designated Champion for the African Union Institutional Reforms, I reaffirm Kenya's steadfast commitment to advancing reforms within the African Union.
These reforms are essential to ensuring that the Union's institutions remain responsive, effective, and aligned with the evolving needs of our continent. I am committed to collaborating closely with Guinea-Bissau and other partners to drive this reform agenda and fulfill the mandate entrusted to me by the African leadership during the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
In the context of the forthcoming African Union Commission (AUC) elections, I express my deep appreciation to Your Excellency for Guinea-Bissau's endorsement of Kenya's candidate for the position of AUC Chairperson for the 2025-2028 term. Kenya's candidature is informed by our longstanding commitment to championing the Pan-African agenda and delivering on the continent's aspirations. I am confident that our candidate will provide visionary and results-driven leadership, prioritising the needs and aspirations of member states.
On matters of peace and security, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to working together to promote peace and stability, not only in Africa but also in other regions experiencing conflict and insecurity. Kenya greatly appreciates Guinea-Bissau’s contributions to peacekeeping and security efforts within the region, and we stand ready to collaborate in advancing sustainable peace initiatives. In this regard, my brother and I expressed deep concern about the raging conflicts in Sudan and Eastern DRC and implore all parties to cease hostilities and forge a path to peaceful settlement of the issues.
His Excellency and I have reaffirmed the strong and enduring bonds of friendship and solidarity that unite our nations and peoples. This State Visit serves as a testament to our shared commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation through continuous engagement and mutual support.
Once again, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Your Excellency for your visit to Nairobi and for the fruitful and insightful engagements we have had. I look forward to continued collaboration and an enhanced partnership between our nations. I thank you.