Tokayev Calls Kenya One of Kazakhstan's Largest, Most Reliable African Partners

Kazakhstan views Kenya as a cornerstone of its growing engagement with the African continent, with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighting the East African nation as one of its largest and most dependable trade partners. This strategic assessment was made during a joint press briefing with Kenyan President William Ruto, marking Ruto's historic first visit to Kazakhstan.

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Kenya is one of Kazakhstan’s largest and most reliable trade partners on the African continent. We intend to continue strengthening cooperation between our countries.

President Tokayev articulated a clear vision for deepening ties, stating, "Kenya is one of Kazakhstan’s largest and most reliable trade partners on the African continent. We intend to continue strengthening cooperation between our countries." He lauded Kenya's significant development progress in sectors like finance, agriculture, and transport, and acknowledged Nairobi's role as a vital hub for international diplomacy. The opening of Kazakhstan's embassy in Nairobi last year, its sixth on the continent, underscores this commitment and Kazakhstan's priority in fostering relationships with African states.

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Kenya, considered the pearl of East Africa, has achieved significant success in finance, agriculture, transport and logistics, and other areas.

The discussions between the two leaders were substantive, focusing on expanding economic collaboration. Agreements were reached to pursue joint ventures in key areas including transport, agriculture, industry, information technology, and tourism. The potential launch of direct flights between Kazakhstan and Kenya was also explored, a move that would significantly enhance connectivity and facilitate trade and people-to-people exchanges.

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This decision demonstrates Kazakhstan’s sincere friendly attitude toward your country. This is Kazakhstan’s sixth diplomatic mission on the African continent. Our country attaches priority importance to strengthening ties with African states.

From Kazakhstan's perspective, as covered by Tengrinews.kz, this partnership is multifaceted. We are keen to supply agricultural products, particularly grain, to the African market, potentially utilizing the strategic port of Mombasa. Simultaneously, we recognize the value of Kenyan products like tea and coffee, already present in our market. The proposal to establish a Kazakhstan-Kenya Business Council aims to streamline project promotion and boost mutual trade. Furthermore, Kenya has expressed interest in Kazakhstan's advancements in e-government, space technology, and IT, signaling a desire for knowledge and technology transfer. This visit represents a significant step in building a robust, mutually beneficial relationship that leverages the strengths of both nations.

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Special attention was paid to expanding trade and economic cooperation. We agreed to implement joint projects in transport, agriculture, industry, as well as in information technology and tourism.