NAIROBI, Kenya Feb 22 – Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has underscored the critical need for Kenya and Ethiopia to collaborate in eliminating trade barriers hindering their economic progress.
Mudavadi, who also serves as the Foreign Affairs Minister, made the remarks on Wednesday following the successful conclusion of the joint framework to promote bilateral cooperation in strategic areas, held in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa.
While highlighting the importance of eliminating trade barriers, including tariffs and non-tariff obstacles, Mudavadi emphasized that doing so would mutually benefit both nations.
Co-chairing the 36th Ethiopia-Kenya Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) with his Ethiopian counterpart Taye Atske Selassie, Mudavadi stressed that the framework cements bilateral relations between the two East African States across economic, social, security, and foreign relations cooperation.
“I am excited about this great opportunity to explore ways to strengthen the friendly relations between our two countries,” he said.
Both countries pledged to bolster their cooperation and inked memoranda of understanding across seven specific areas: tourism, wildlife, culture, blue economy, petroleum, correctional services, and capacity building in public service.
Selassie reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to fostering peace and prosperity, including through enhanced security along the common border.
Both sides also committed to promoting parliamentary diplomacy through exchange visits by the speakers of Kenya’s National Assembly and Ethiopia’s House of Peoples Representatives.
The 36th JMC provided a platform for Kenya and Ethiopia to enhance their cooperation in regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Established in 1963, the JMC aims to deepen the historical ties between the two countries and promote the prosperity of their people.
The agreed minutes of the two sides set the stage for the implementation of decisions with far-reaching impacts on bilateral ties.
They also agreed on time-bound monitoring, including a midterm review hosted by Kenya in February 2025, to assess progress and prepare for the next JMC in 2026.
Mudavadi and Selassie commended the JMC negotiation teams led by Ambassador Fisseh Shawul, Ethiopia’s Director-General for African affairs, and Kenya’s Ambassador Moi Lemoshira, Director-General of Bilateral and Political Affairs.
The Kenyan delegation included Ambassador George Orina, Kenya’s envoy in Addis Ababa, and Chimwaga Mongo, Secretary of the State Department for Roads.