The Governments of Kenya and Angola signed 11 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The agreements will serve to enhance cooperation in oil and gas, mining, shipping and maritime cooperation.
Additional areas of cooperation include wildlife management and conservation, youth development, agriculture, trade, information and communication technology and health.
The MoUs were signed on 21 October by the countries’ respective cabinet secretaries and witnessed by Kenya’s President William Ruto and his Angolan counterpart João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço in Kenya’s capital city of Nairobi.
“These frameworks will unlock the potential of our commercial and trade relations,” President Ruto stated, adding, “We have also directed our respective ministers responsible for transport to expedite and conclude discussions on the resumption of direct flights between Kenya and Angola.”
During the ceremony, President Ruto waived visa requirements for Angolans entering Kenya with immediate effect in an attempt to boost trade and movement of people between the two countries. The deals come as a result of the countries’ commitment towards promoting peace and stability in the Great Lakes region of East Africa.
