Diplomacy News A Publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Issue No. 004 November 18, 2016

Republic of Kenya

EAC Endorses Amb. Amina’s AUC Candidature……………………….. 2 Qatari Ambassador to Kenya Concludes Tour of Duty ……………… 2 Kenya Participates in Havana Fair ……………………………………….. 3

MFA Staff to Learn Chinese Language …………………………... 3 Kenya, Canada in Strategic Partnership ……………………… … 4 UK, US envoys urge Kenya to reconsider UNMISS Decision ...…… 4

Kenya Lobby for AUC Chairperson

Intensifies By Edwin Limo

K enya has embarked on a serious lobby exercise in support of Amb. Amina Mohamed who has been

nominated to vie for African Union Commission Chair. In a hold no barred move that targets to reach all the 53 voting members of the African Union, President Kenyatta has dispatched Special Envoys led by his Deputy President William Ruto to his colleagues across the continent. Early last week Ruto led a delegation to Chad and met President Idriss Deby Itno. The lobbying that targeted northern, central and western Africa started off in N’Djamena, then Ghana, Cote d’voire, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Algeria, Mali, Nigeria and DRC. Other countries covered to date include Egypt, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Angola Mauritania, Tunisia, Lesotho, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, Guinea, Gabon, Niger and Burundi. Accompanied by the Candidate, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed, Ruto said Kenya believes its candidate has what it takes in terms of experience and knowledge to drive the African agenda forward. The DP presented a special message from President Uhuru Kenyatta to President Idriss Deby, and expressed confidence the Chadian President would consider supporting Kenya although he has a candidate for the same position. Chad has

nominated its long serving Foreign Affairs Minister Moussa Faki Mahamat for the position of chairperson of AUC and Ruto said President Deby has two candidates and will have one of them elected in January 2017. “President Deby has had discussions with President Kenyatta over this matter and we hope that one of the two candidates will be elected the chairperson of African Union Commission in January,” said Ruto. President Deby acknowledged that he had two candidates saying they both had the experience and knowledge to steer the Secretariat. “We do not want someone who will take instructions from outside Africa. Whoever will be elected must drive the African agenda and push for reforms within the United Nations,” said President Deby. Ruto said Amb. Amina was best suited to take over from outgoing Chair, Madam Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, since she seats in the executive council of Africa Agenda 2063 and understands where Africa should be. Other candidates competing for the AUC Chair with Amb. Mohamed include Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi (Botswana), Moussa Faki Mahamat (Chad), Abdoulaye Bathily (Senegal) and Agapito Mba Mokuy (Equatorial Guinea). Mr. Ruto vouched for the integration of the African countries saying Africans should fast track the integration of the continent to create a huge market that can compete favourably with other international markets in trade and investment. ◊

Deputy President William Ruto

addresses media after meeting

Chadian President Idriss Deby

Itno in N'Djamena. He was

accompanied by Amb. Amina

Mohamed and Amb. John

Mwangemi .

Editors Note

This is the fourth issue of Diplomacy

News.

The Editor welcomes feedback,

suggestions, short analysis for

consideration and publishing in

future issues of the newsletter.◊

Edwin Limo

EAC Endorses Amb. Amina’s AUC Candidature

By Sarah Mwangi

E ast African Community (EAC) Ministers for Foreign Affairs

have reiterated their endorsement of the candidature of Amb. Amina Mohamed as chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).

In an extra-ordinary meeting of the EAC Sectoral Council on Foreign Policy coordination held on November 12, 2016 at a Nairobi hotel, the

ministers received and welcomed the progress made on the ongoing mobilisation of support for the candidature by the republic of Kenya which has already covered a half of African Countries.

In a joint communiqué signed by Talha Mohamed (Tanzania), Sam Kutesa (Uganda), Otis Aimable (Burundi), Louise Mushikiwabo (Rwanda) and Phyllis Kandie (Kenya), the ministers collectively agreed to campaign and lobby other African Union countries for their support.

The ministers directed the EAC secretariat to officially convey this decision to all African Regional Economic Communities (RECS) to solicit their support.

The AUC elections are scheduled for January 2017 at the 28th Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and government at Addis Ababa.

In attendance at the EAC Ministers’ meeting were Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi, Principal Secretaries, Ambassadors and High Commissioners of the EAC partner states.

Qatari Ambassador to Kenya Concludes Tour of Duty

By Andrew Kuria

T he tour of duty of Ambassador of

the State of Qatar to Kenya Ibrahim Mohamed Al-Abdulla has come to an end. Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed in a speech read on her behalf by Political and Diplomatic Secretary Amb. Tom Amolo hailed the strong cordial relations between Kenya and Qatar during a farewell luncheon in honor of the outgoing Ambassador at Intercon-tinental Hotel Nairobi on November 16, 2016.

The CS further called upon the two countries to work closely and con-clude various agreements and memo-randum of understanding that are still pending. "Cooperation in such sectors as energy, mining and labor have potential to greatly improve trade between two countries," She said. Amb. Mohamed thanked H.E Al Abdulla for the good work during his tour of duty singling out the success-

ful State visit by President Kenyatta to Qatar in 2014 and the increase of Kenya expatriates working in Qatar. She wished him well in his fu-ture endeavors. Kenya and Qatar started diplomatic relations in 2003 and the two nations have maintained good relations. Present were Head of Directorates and Ambassadors from the Arab League.◊

Foreign Affairs officials pose for a group photo with outgoing Qatari Ambassador to Kenya .

3

Kenya Participates in Havana Fair By Amb. Antony Muchiri

K enya participated in the 34th edition of the International Fair of Havana

(FIHAV 34) held from October 31 to November 4 2016 in Havana, Cuba. A total of 60 countries and 3000 companies took part. Kenya was one of four African countries participating for the first time. Kenya’s stand was honoured by a visit by Cuban Vice President Salvador Antonio Valdes Mesa. A total of 1142 participants visited the Kenyan stand. The trade fare enables exhibitors and visitors to establish commercial contacts, close business operations and exchange experiences in Cuba's newly evolving market. ◊

Kenyan delegation during the 34th edition of the International Fair of Havana held on November 4, 2016.

MFA Staff to Learn Chinese Language

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Amb. Lui Xianfa (sitting 6th left) and Amb. Ben Oguto (sitting 5th left) with staff from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and University of Nairobi Confu-cius Institute at Nairobi University on November 4, 2016.

By Wambui Kigathi and Kawira Githinji

I n a deliberate effort to develop necessary skills among officers

for international engagement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Foreign Service Academy (FSA) and University of Nairobi, Confucius Institute have signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation which establishes a framework for the exchange of professionals, lecturers and experts in foreign languages.

During the launch of the Chinese language course for Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) at the Confucius Institute, University of Nairobi on November 4, 2016, Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed in a speech read on her behalf by Amb. Ben Ogutu, said that Kenya is expanding its engagements with new and emerging economic powers and in various areas.

‘As we live in multilingual and multicultural world, training in languages helps diplomats to learn speedily,” the CS said adding that as a ministry and international relations practitioners, we are exposed to different languages, cultures and traditions of people from all over the world.

The course which takes three months will expose participants to elementary skills in Chinese Language and thereafter sharpen those skills further by partnering with the Chinese Foreign Affairs University in Beijing for a six months course

Amb. Mohamed recognised the role played by FSA as the bedrock to equip the Ministry staff with requisite knowledge, skills and competencies for effective diplomatic engagement that resonates with practice in the international arena.

The launch was attended by Amb. Lui Xianfa, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, University of Nairobi acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Mbithi and the Director of the Confucius Institute Prof. Guo Hong, Director FSA Amb. Simon Nabukwesi among others ◊

“As a Ministry

we are exposed to

different languages,

cultures and traditions.”

4

Kenya, Canada in Strategic Partnership

Principal Secretary Amb. Monica Juma with Canadian Foreign Minister Stephane Dion and High Commissioner of Canada to Kenya Sara Suzan Hradecky, during a courtesy call at her office on November 10, 2016

By Wambui Kigathi and Wendy Getugi

K enya and Canada are set to initiate a strategic partnership

agreement that will provide a frame-work for a bi-national commission for government to government regular

senior level consultations.

The commission will focus on develop-ment agenda including; peace and security, education, environmental cooperation, trade and investments among others.

Speaking during a courtesy call to Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal

Secretary Amb. Monica Juma on No-vember 10, 2016, Canadian Foreign Minister, Stephane Dion who was on his maiden tour to Kenya revealed that only three countries in Africa have similar framework with Canada: South Africa, Ethiopia and Nigeria.

Canada pledged to support Kenya on the peace process in Somalia and South Sudan and also expressed its willingness to work with Kenya regionally and internationally on anti-terrorism and youth deradicalisation.

Canada through the Aga Khan Development Network supports a number of regional and country`s specific projects in health, education, early childhood, development and civil society with a portfolio in Kenya of US$122million (Ksh 12.2billion).

Amb. Juma appealed to the Canadian Government to consider offering training and scholarships to Kenyans to study in Canada.

Mr. Dion thanked Kenya for its support of Canada’s bid for the UN Security Council (2020) and for offering to mobilise other member states to support its bid.◊

UK, US envoys urge Kenya to reconsider UNMISS Decision

By Kawira Githinji

U nited Kingdom and United States envoys have called on

Kenya to remain actively engaged in the political process in South Sudan despite recent military withdrawal of soldiers serving under United Nations Mission to South Sudan (UNMISS)

The envoys said Kenya was an important player in South Sudan peace process and the withdrawal would greatly impact the strides made so far.

Speaking at a meeting held on November 8, 2016 with Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Amb. Monica Juma at her office, Nic Hailey British High Commissioner to Kenya, Victor Ronneberg, Norway Ambassa-dor to Kenya and the Paul Sutphin Deputy Head of Mission at the US Embassy expressed their government’s desire that Kenya would reconsider its

decision to withdraw its troops.

PS Juma informed that Kenya not only disagreed with the facts arising from the report but also the process that followed to the sacking of the Kenyan General.

PS Juma said the issue at hand is not

about South Sudan but about the way the mat-ter was handled by the UN Secretariat.

The PS emphasized that bilateral polit-ical engagements would continue given the geographical location of the two countries and that the implication of instability in South Sudan would still impact Kenya.◊

Principal Secretary Amb. Monica Juma with Nic Hailey British High Commissioner to Kenya, V i c t o r R o n n e b e r g Norway Ambassador to Kenya and Paul Sutphin Deputy Head of Mission at the US Embassy when they paid her a courtesy call at her office on No-vember 8, 2016.

Vision

A peaceful, prosperous and

globally competitive Kenya

Mission

To project, promote and pro-

tect Kenya’s interests and im-

age globally through innova-

tive diplomacy, and contribute

towards a just, peaceful and

equitable world

Core Values

Customer Focus

Patriotism

Team Spirit

Professionalism

Ethics and Integrity

Equity and fairness

PICTORIAL

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Harambee Avenue

P.O. Box 30551—GPO 00100, Nairobi/Kenya

Tel: +254 20 4949 000, +254 20 331 8888

Email : info@mfa.go.ke; mfapress@mfa.go.ke

www.mfa.go.ke

@foreignaffairskenya

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Foreignaffairske

Editor - Edwin Limo

Sub Editor - Jane Kariuki

Design & Layout - Kawira Githinji

Photography - Andrew Kuria

5

Deputy President William Ruto and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed held talks with Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita at Presidential Palace Koulouba, Bamako. The talks centered on Kenya candidature of AU Chairperson.◊

Principal Secretary Monica Juma briefs Ambassadors from United Nations Security Council member states on UNMISS situation.

Political and Diplomatic Secretary Amb. Tom Amollo bids farewell to Qatari Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Ibrahim Mohamed Al-Abdulla during a luncheon in his honour at Inter-continental Hotel Nairobi on November 16, 2016.◊

Amb. Liu Xianfa, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya and Ms. Lu Xu Deputy Director General Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs China paid a courtesy call to Principal Secretary Monica Juma on November 8, 2016 at her office. ◊