South African, Kenyan Leaders Vow To Strengthen Bilateral Ties

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and his visiting Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday agreed to strengthen relations between their countries.

Addressing a joint media briefing ahead of talks in the capital Pretoria, Ramaphosa said his country enjoys "warm and cordial relations" with Kenya and believes it is now time to elevate their relations to strategic partnership.

Kenya, East Africa's largest economy, is South Africa's largest trading partner in Africa outside the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

South Africa exported goods worth 7.5 billion rand ($474 million) to Kenya in 2020 against imports of 329.5 million rand ($20 million) from Kenya.

"As vocal advocates of pan-African and intra-Africa trade, we are committed to address the trade imbalance and increase trade with Kenya," Ramaphosa said.

He ordered his ministers to immediately remove any unreasonable barriers and challenges stifling trade efforts between the two nations.

There are more than 60 South African companies operating in Kenya, with investments in the financial services, real estate, food and beverages, entertainment services and hospitality sector, among others.

Ramaphosa said his country supported Kenya's election for the non-permanent presidency of the United Nations Security Council 2021/2022 and looks forward to working with it in addressing security issues on the continent.

He said South Africa is most alarmed by the conflict in Ethiopia, saying there is urgent need for both parties to cease fire and find lasting solution.

Kenyatta, for his part, said his meeting with Ramphosa will strengthen relations between their countries.

He said they will also discuss with South Africa the possibility of removing travel visas that Kenyans are required to obtain before visiting the continent's most industrialized nation.

Kenyatta also announced that his country will soon start producing COVID-19 vaccines and he will be visiting the Aspen Pharmacare facility in South Africa on Wednesday for possibility of cooperation.

Aspen Pharmacare currently manufactures and distributes vaccines and other pharmaceuticals for a global market in accordance with international standards.

Kenyatta will also visit an engineering plant to see South Africa's capability in the supply and maintenance of rail-related technology.

The two leaders will later today address the South Africa-Kenya Business Forum being held to further explore new areas of economic, trade and investment cooperation. -