President Uhuru Kenyatta and his European Union council counterpart King Charles Philipe of Belgium have inked a new Strategic Dialogue deal.
The Strategic Dialogue meeting was held on Monday, June 21, in Brussels and was aimed at reinforcing Kenya's already existent relations with the 27 member state organization.
A new framework, founded on a significant track record, is set to be put in motion. It is aimed at facilitating formulation of common policies. These plans are expected to uphold the mutual interests of both regions.
The dialogue was meant to safeguard multilateral efficiencies between the East African Community ,the European Union(EU) and Kenya.
Bilateral ties between Kenya and the EU were also of critical significance throughout the President’s official tour.
They agreed upon principles that are expected to guide European action in support of the Government of Kenya for mutually agreed upon activities.
Prioritized in the newly procured framework is cooperation in multiple facets of the modern world. Both Kenya and the EU will collaborate in the practices of democracy, adherence to human rights, sound governance, commercial efficacies, peace and security, climate change and the digital agenda.
Kenya is meant to be a convergence point for actualization of these principles that are meant to be developed and implemented over time, given the country’s democratic stability in the Horn of Africa region, as endorsed by the Union.
To this effect, it was upheld that Kenya holds great capability in being the region’s hallmark of peace and security. Moreover, the state is an active member of the UN, known to uphold requirements and values of the world organization thereby solidifying its position in the dialogue.
Trade is a key element of this meeting, holding importance in Kenya and the European Union. The Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU and the East African Community has been highlighted in underpinning mutual value.
Within this pact is the principle of variable geometry that has been so far practical between Kenya and the European Union. It has translated to integrated projects happening at different paces in Kenya as per mutual accord with the EU.
President Uhuru was accompanied by CS Raychelle Omamo (Foreign Affairs), CS Adan Mohammed ( East African Community) and CS Betty Maina (Trade) for the official visit and tour.
