Tanzania's President John Magufuli on Wednesday, November 27, pledged his country's support for Kenya's bid to secure a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council (UNSC) during the election scheduled for June 2020.
The President's Strategic Communication Unit (PSCU) announced on Wednesday, November 27, that the assurance was delivered to President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi by Tanzania's Foreign Affairs Minister Palamagamba Kabudi, who was also accompanied by the President of Suriname Desire Delano Bouterse.
The Tanzanian minister announced Magufuli's confidence in the country's capacity to effectively represent the African continent in the council.
“We have confidence in Kenya, that you will champion the African voice and will strongly advocate the continent’s position in the UN body,” Kabudi was quoted.
The special envoy, who was accompanied by Tanzania’s Ambassador to Kenya Batilda Salha Buriani, also acknowledged Kenya’s leading role in the push for a united and progressive Africa.
He conveyed Magufuli's sentiments on the maritime border dispute with Somalia and stated that Tanzania was in support of Kenya's stand on the need to pursue an out of court settlement.
Magufuli's remarks were echoed by Desire Delano Bouterse, who is in the country on a private visit alongside his wife First Lady Ingrid Waldring Bouterse.
The Suriname president followed suit and promised to support Kenya's bid for the UNSC seat, lauding Uhuru for what he called visionary leadership that was turning the country into a regional economic giant.
"Our position and belief is that this seat is not just for Kenya but for all of us who share the same vision. That we may present a united voice and make a difference," he stated
The two leaders discussed opportunities for deepening bilateral ties between the two countries through trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
The two leaders also discussed the upcoming African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) Conference to be held in Nairobi December, adding that the meeting would help deepen relations between the countries in the Caribbean and the African continent.
