President Jacob Zuma has undertaken a state visit to Kenya, the first by a South African head of state since 1994, the Presidency said on Monday.
“The visit will enable South Africa to deepen economic, political, cultural and social relations with Kenya, the leading economy in the East African region,” said the Presidency in a statement.
“The visit will further provide a platform for both countries to review progress on key areas of bilateral cooperation, which include amongst others: trade and investment; agriculture; tourism and infrastructure development.
“The two heads of state will exchange views on important regional, continental and global issues of mutual concern.”
The two countries were scheduled to sign agreements on defence, police, home affairs and the environment; revenue services and infrastructure development under the Lamu-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport Corridor.
The signing of these instruments were an indication of South Africa’s determination to enhance relations and served as confirmation of its desire to forge a strategic partnership with Kenya, the Presidency said.
Zuma has been accompanied by six cabinet ministers.
“During the visit, President Zuma will also address South Africa-Kenya Business Forum, on 11th October, which will provide a platform to further explore investment and trade opportunities between the two countries and support the interaction between the public and private sectors of South Africa and Kenya.”
South Africa’s exports to Kenya amounted to R8.3 billion and imports to R366 million in 2015, the Presidency said.
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