Kenyan prisoners in Ethiopia are set to be released and brought back to the country following a bilateral agreement between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Prime Minister (Dr.) Abiy Ahmed Ali who is on two day State Visit.
In a joint communique issued after bilateral talks at State House, the two leaders agreed to the exchange of prisoners as a way of strengthening the diplomatic bond between the two countries.
"The two leaders direct the urgent formulation of modalities to ensure implementation within the next seven days," the statement read in part.
[caption caption="President Uhuru Kenyatta and Prime Minister (Dr.) Abiy Ahmed Ali at StateHouse"]
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President Kenyatta and Prime Minister Abiy affirmed that they would re-energize the historical ties laid down for Kenya and Ethiopia by the two nation’s founding fathers.
“Kenya has always considered Ethiopia to be a brother. We have collaborated from before independence where Ethiopia played a leading role in supporting Kenya gain independence,” Uhuru conveyed.
[caption caption="President Uhuru Kenyatta and Prime Minister (Dr.) Abiy Ahmed Ali "]
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He added that the special relationship between Kenya and Ethiopia, which includes a defence pact, had ensured that the two nations maintain cordial relations despite living in a region known for turbulence.
The historical relationship the two leaders referred to was laid down by Kenya’s founding President Jomo Kenyatta and Ethiopia’s Emperor Haile Selassie.
Kenya and Ethiopia had already elevated their relationship by putting in place a Bi-National Commission, which is the highest level of structured bilateral cooperation.
“It is worth noting that this is the highest level of bilateral cooperation that Kenya has with any country. I note that the inaugural session of the Bi-National Commission was held here in Nairobi in June 2016,” President Kenyatta stated during the meeting also attended by Deputy President William Ruto.
PM Abiy echoed President Kenyatta’s words in promising commitment to advance the ties between Kenya and Ethiopia.
“We have held talks and agreed to focus on our historical ties that our forefathers built for us. We are not proud of what we have been doing over the years and we have to achieve more," the Prime Minister stated.
[caption caption="President Uhuru Kenyatta and Prime Minister (Dr.) Abiy Ahmed Ali "]
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