1. The 4th meeting of the Republic of Korea-Kenya Joint Economic Committee, a channel for regular high-level consultations on economic diplomacy between the two countries, was held in Nairobi, Kenya, on April 3, with Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs Lee Tae-ho and Political and Diplomatic Secretary Tom Amolo of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kenya leading their respective delegations. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Agreed Minutes, which contain the results of their discussion.

2. In the meeting, the two sides reviewed the current state of trade and investment flows and the overall economic relations between the ROK and Kenya, which is a key East African country, and the ROK’s largest trading partner in East Africa and traditional ally that has recorded annual average growth rates of over 6 percent in recent years. The two sides also discussed ways for Korean companies to participate in Kenya’s economic development plan “Vision 2030,” ways to enhance trade and investment between the two countries, and ways to expand economic cooperation in a range of areas, including human resources development, science and technology, and e-government.

3. During his visit to Kenya, Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs Lee also paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister of Kenya Amina Mohamed, and discussed the recent series of nuclear and missile provocations by North Korea and the grave situation on the Korean Peninsula. He also requested that Kenya, as an important member of the international community, continue to work together with the ROK on issues on the Korean Peninsula.

o In response, Minister Mohamed stressed that Kenya is a peace-loving country which has taken active part in the UN’s peacekeeping operations and served as chair of the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) last year. She also reaffirmed Kenya’s willingness to continue to cooperate with the ROK on issues on the Korean Peninsula, as the country has done so far.

4. Deputy Minister Lee’s visit to Kenya was an opportunity to discuss ways to advance the substantive cooperative relations between the ROK and Kenya, a key East African country which has long maintained the friendly and cooperative relations with the ROK since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1964, as well as to reaffirm Kenya’s support regarding issues on the Korean Peninsula. This is seen as part of the ROK’s efforts to take one step further towards Africa, the continent of the future, thereby diversifying its diplomatic engagement.


* unofficial translation