Qatar and Kenya signed a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding following a round of official talks chaired by HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, in  Nairobi yesterday.
At the outset of the session, the Kenyan president welcomed HH the Emir and the accompanying delegation and thanked him for accepting the invitation to visit Kenya, stressing that the visit of the Emir is a significant step in developing historic ties between the two countries on all fronts, particularly in investment and agriculture, and adding that his recent visit to Doha and the visit of the Emir to Kenya constitute a strong basis for boosting bilateral ties.
In turn, HH the Emir expressed his delight at visiting Kenya, expressing his thanks to the Kenyan president and the Kenyan people for the warm hospitality, noting that relations linking the region to the African continent are historic and it is important to constantly develop and enhance them. The Emir noted that Qatar and Kenya have mutual co-operation in many fields and there are several opportunities to enhance it, stressing in this regard the strategic importance of Kenya and adding that the visit will help in pushing ties forward.
The meeting reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries across all levels and means of developing them in the different areas of co-operation that could benefit the two countries and peoples. The two sides also discussed regional and international developments, stressing in this regard the need to denounce terrorism in all forms and manifestations and reject violence and extremism regardless of their source.
The members of the official delegation accompanying the Emir attended the session along with a number of Kenyan ministers and senior officials.
Following the talks, HH the Emir and Kenyan president attended the signing of a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding between both governments at the presidential palace in Nairobi.
Qatar and Kenya signed a co-operation agreement in the field of education, higher education, scientific research and technology; a co-operation agreement in the cultural field; and a memorandum of understanding in tourism.
The members of the official delegation accompanying the Emir and several Kenyan ministers attended the signing ceremony.
The Emir also held a separate meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta at the presidential palace in Nairobi.
The meeting reviewed bilateral relations between Qatar and Kenya and aspects of developing them on all fronts, in addition to exchanging views on current events at the regional and international arenas.
An official reception ceremony was held for the Emir upon his arrival at the presidential palace
Later, HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani attended a luncheon banquet hosted by President Kenyatta, in honour of the Emir and his accompanying delegation at the presidential palace.
A number of Kenyan ministers and senior officials attended the banquet along with heads of Arab diplomatic missions accredited to Kenya.
The Emir later met a number of businessmen, investors, owners and heads of major trade companies in Qatar and Kenya who are taking part in the Qatari-Kenyan Business Forum, which is organised by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce and Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in co-operation with Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Kenya Investment Authority and Kenya Private Sector Alliance, and takes place in conjunction with the Emir’s visit to Kenya.
During the welcoming ceremony, held at Nairobi’s Kempinski, the Emir exchanged views with the participants on general economic topics and opportunities to strengthen trade and investment between both countries.
The members of the official delegation attended the ceremony.
The Emir left Nairobi yesterday evening concluding his one-day visit to Kenya, heading to South Africa.
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta saw the Emir off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Kenyan Foreign Minister Amina Mohamed also saw the Emir off along with Minister of Education Fred Matiang’i; a number of senior Kenyan officials; Qatar’s Charge d’Affaires in Kenya, Ali Abdullah al-Abdullah; Kenyan ambassador to Qatar Galma Mukhe Boru; and members of the Qatari embassy.
HH the Emir sent a cable to President Kenyatta, expressing his thanks and appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to him and the accompanying delegation during the visit.
The Emir arrived in Kenya earlier yesterday. He was welcomed at Jomo Kenyatta International by Vice-President of Kenya William Ruto, Kenya’s Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr Amina Mohamed, a number of high-ranking officials in Kenya, Acting Charge d’Affaires of Qatar’s embassy in Kenya Ali bin Abdullah al-Abdullah, ambassador of Kenya to Qatar Galma Mukhe Boru and Qatar’s embassy staff members.
The Emir arrived in Kenya from Ethiopia after a two-day state visit.
The Emir was seen off upon departure at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa by the Prime Minister of Ethiopia Hailemariam Desalegn.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Information and Technology Dr Debretsion Gebremichael, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hirut Zemene, Qatar’s ambassador to Ethiopia Abdulaziz Sultan al-Rumaihi, Ethiopia’s ambassador to Qatar Mesganu Arga Moach, senior officials and the Qatari embassy staff members were also at the airport to bid farewell to the Emir.
The Emir sent two cables to the Ethiopian president and prime minister to express his sincere thanks and appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to him and the accompanying delegation during the visit.