Japan-Kenya Relations
Japan-Kenya Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
On May 3, commencing at9:00 a.m. local time (3:00 p.m. on same day, Japan time) for 1 hour and 20 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a Foreign Ministers’ meeting with H.E. Dr. Musalia MUDAVADI EGH, Prime Cabinet Secretary & Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of Kenya, during his visit to Kenya.
1. Introduction
Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi welcomed Minister MOTEGI’s visit to Kenya and expressed his desire to further develop bilateral relations in the future. In response, Minister MOTEGI said he was delighted to be visiting Kenya for the fourth time. He also noted that it marks the 10th anniversary since Japan first proposed a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” in Kenya, and expressed his desire to further strengthen relations with Kenya, an important partner that shares the fundamental values and principles such as freedom and the rule of law.
2. Bilateral Relations
- Minister MOTEGI explained the updated FOIP and expressed his intention to continue pursuing concrete cooperation with Kenya towards its realization. In response, Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi made remarks on the importance of cooperation with Japan.
- Minister MOTEGI noted that Japanese companies are increasingly expanding into Kenya and requested cooperation in improving the business environment to facilitate further activities by Japanese firms in the country. Minister MOTEGI also mentioned Japan's support for the development of Mombasa area as a symbol of cooperation under FOIP, and stated that Japan intends to continue working on the development of Mombasa area through efforts by both public and private sectors. In response, Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi expressed his gratitude for Japan's support to date, and the two sides concurred on continuing to cooperate on the development of key infrastructure in Kenya, including Mombasa Port.
- Minister MOTEGI stated that Japan wished to strengthen security cooperation, including the first Official Security Assistance (OSA) programme for Kenya, which is currently under coordination. Both sides concurred that they would cooperate to ensure the smooth implementation of the OSA programme.
3. Cooperation in the International Fora
- Minister MOTEGI stated that, as the international community faces various challenges, the bond between Japan and Africa is more important than ever. He expressed his desire to work together with Kenya to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law.
- The two sides exchanged views on regional issues, including the current situation in the Middle East and East Asia, as well as various challenges facing the international community, such as the reform of the United Nations Security Council, and confirmed their intention to continue strengthening cooperation, including through coordination in the international fora.