News Feature

Monumental Visit

Kenya has enjoyed a friendly and consistent relation with Ethiopia since gaining independence in 1963. 

            The fact that the relation rests   on a firm ground of good neighborliness, peaceful co-existence and non interference has made it exemplary to the sub-region and to the continent at large.

            The historical relations and attachments of the peoples of the two countries led to the signing of the mutual visa abolition agreement of 1966, which is still functional.         

            After the establishment of the Transitional Government of Ethiopia /TGE/ in 1991, due priority was given for its relations with neighbouring countries.  The governing principles   of the TGE in relations with its neighbours were peaceful coexistence, non interference in the domestic  affairs of others and pursuing  a relationship based  on mutual trust  and understanding.  It is based on these principles that these two sisterly countries witnessed excellent relations over the past fourteen years.

            In this regard, the official visit by president Daniel Arap Moi to Ethiopia in November 1991 had a great importance.  During the visit, the two countries signed an umbrella agreement which encompasses all areas of cooperations.  In connection with the situation in the sub-region, the two countries agreed on the need to have a closer discussion with other Horn countries towards achieving durable peace and to help mobilize all the resources of the region for development.

            Similarly, Prime Minsiter Meles Zenawi, as part of Ethiopia's bid to further enhancing the existing bilateral relations paid an official visit to Kenya on March 9, 2000.  At the end of the visit the two leaders reached consensus to develop the infrastructural links between the two countries. 

            Recently, at the invitation of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, H.E. Mwai Kibaki, President of the Republic of Kenya paid a four-day state visit to Ethiopia from 9 - 12 March 2005.  During the visit, President Kibaki and Prime Minister Meles held talks which covered a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues.

            With regard to bilateral issues the two leaders reviewed the work of the Joint Ministerial Consultative Committee and the Joint Border Administrators and Commissioners Committee.

            Underscoring the importance of the committees, the leaders directed the relevant authorities of their respective countries to expeditiously implement the decisions of the committees.   The leaders taking note of the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the areas of security, particularly along their common border, they have signed an agreement on cooperation in the military field.  As people living in the frontier zones between Kenya and Ethiopia share common language, culture, history and natural resources, the signing of the agreement will have a paramount importance in ensuring peace and stability in the sub-region in general and along the common border in particular.  The agreement will also be helpful in addressing the problem of cattle rustling which has been a growing feature in the border area.

            Even if the political relationship between the two countries is said to be positive, the economic relationship is still lagging behind.  Lack of infrastructure has been a major set back in this regard.  In view of this, they recently agreed to revitalize links in the road and telecommunications sectors.  The Kenyan government also decided to upgrade the Isiolo-Moyale road as a priority project.  In addition, the leaders have discussed on the possibility of establishing a railway linking the two countries.  All these endeavours are expressions of the will of the two countries to further boost their economic and political ties.

            Seeking solution to many of the conflicts in the sub-region is another area of cooperation. As members of the Intergovernmental Authority for Development /IGAD/ as well as neigbours, the two countries have been working tirelessly to bring durable peace in Somalia and the Sudan.  Although there are signals for the peaceful resolution of the conflicts, which is the result of the efforts exerted by the two countries, there remains much task towards realizing the agreements reached.  There is now the understanding by both sides on the need for the speedy relocation of the new government of Somalia.  To this end, Ethiopia and Kenya expressed their commitment to help the Transitional   Federal   Government    of  

Somalia to relocate itself in Somalia.   According to recent developments in this regard, IGAD member countries have agreed to jointly work rigorously to bring about peace in that horn of Africa country. 

            As peace and security is a prerequisite for development, they would continue to cooperate in all spheres for stability in the sub-region.  

            The recent visit will have a significant importance in further strengthening the existing cordial relations.  Ethiopia and Kenya have a huge potential for trade and economic cooperation.  The visit by President Kibaki is therefore monumental in transforming the ties.   There is now both the need and the commitment by both sides to push forward the existing excellent relations.  Such commitment of good neighborliness, trust and understanding is vital for the development of the respective countries and the sub-region.

The elections, conducted for the third time since the overthrow of the dictatorial Dergue regime, have proved to be exemplary for the African continent and a landmark in the Ethiopian history in its level of democratic practice.