NAIROBI, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) — Kenya and Angola signed 11 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Saturday aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, according to a press release.
The MoUs, which were witnessed by Kenyan President William Ruto and his Angolan counterpart, Joao Manuel Goncalves Lorenco, in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, were signed to enhance cooperation in areas such as wildlife management and conservation, shipping and maritime cooperation, youth development and agriculture.
“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,” Ruto said during a joint press conference in Nairobi on Saturday.
Ruto also waived visa requirements for all nationals from Angola with immediate effect to boost trade and the movement of people between Kenya and Angola.
“Angolans coming to Kenya will not require a visa. Angola will equally consider the same for Kenyans,” Ruto said.
He noted that Kenya-Angola trade has been on the rise in the past four years but stressed that more needs to be done to unlock the underlying potential.
For his part, Lourenco said the MoUs provide a solid foundation for the growth of Kenya-Angola relations.
The two leaders pledged to support Angola’s candidature for membership in the African Union Peace and Security Council.
They also committed to promoting peace and stability in the Great Lakes region while opposing unconstitutional changes of governments and external interference in the political processes of African nations.
