Kenya and Haiti have established diplomatic relations according to a joint press release signed by Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua.
In the statement released by Henry, the two countries announced they were eager to strengthen the ties of friendship for mutual benefit and in the pursuit of common interest.
The establishment of diplomatic relations comes ahead of Kenya sending police officers to Haiti to maintain peace in the troubled Caribbean nation.
“Guided by the principles and objectives of the Charter of the United Nations, International Law and Treaties, have decided to establish diplomatic relations, from the date of signing this Joint communiqué,” the statement read in part.
Further, Kenya and Haiti have agreed to post ambassadors to formalise ties.
CS Mutua further announced today that Kenya had established diplomatic relations with Grenada, another Caribbean country.
The communique was signed by Mutua on behalf of the Kenyan government and his counterpart Joseph Andall from Grenada.
“The signing of the Joint Communique allows Kenya to build on the bonds of ancestry and friendship that exists between the African Union and Caribbean Community and to lay foundations for lasting, robust socio-economic and political engagements,” a statement from the CS read in part.
Kenya’s new relationships with Caribbean countries come at an opportune moment when the United Nations is expected to authorise the deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti to protect the nation that has been captured by criminal gangs.
Kenya’s mission was boosted by support from United States President Joe Biden during his speech on September 19 at the United Nations General Assembly.
“I thank President William Ruto of Kenya for his willingness to serve as the lead nation of a UN-backed security support system,” Biden stated.
Kenya has announced that once authorised by the UN, it will deploy 1,000 police officers to the troubled nation.
The officers will not directly tackle crime but will guard critical government installations including; port, hospitals and airport.
