Kenya and Greece on Monday signed a bilateral MoU on cooperation in diplomatic training in Athens.
The signing was done after diplomatic consultations between Kenya’s Foreign Affairs CS Ambassador Raychelle Omamo and her Greece counterpart, Nikos Dendias.
“The framework developed through the signed MoU signifies the commitment by both countries to cooperate in training of diplomatic personnel and exchange of information and publications,” Foreign Affairs ministry said in a statement.
Minister Dendias said CS Omamo’s visit was highly significant to Greece, and symbolic of the long-standing relations between the two states.
The two ministers agreed to enhance diplomatic ties by exploring new areas of cooperation in the blue economy, maritime, energy, agriculture, green transition, tourism, culture, ICT, health, peace and security, and research and development.
Additionally, the ministers agreed to fast track the conclusion of pending agreements and host a Joint Ministerial Committee.
“They reaffirmed the continued cooperation under the Kenya-EU Strategic Dialogue with three main pillars: Peace and security, trade and investment and sustainable development,” MFA added.
Omamo, who is in Greece for a two-day visit, was accompanied to the talks by Ambassador to Italy and Greece Jackline Yonga and Director, Europe and Commonwealth Directorate Ambassador Angeline Musili.
She also presented President Uhuru Kenyatta’s message of goodwill to his Greece counterpart Katerina Sakellaropoulou on Monday.
According to the Foreign Affairs ministry, the CS conveyed President Kenyatta’s best wishes and acknowledged the cordial bilateral relations between Kenya and Greece anchored on foundations of mutual respect and benefit.
“The CS thanked the Hellenic Republic for their support during the Covid-19 pandemic through their generous donation of vaccines to Kenya,” the statement added.
Greece on August 6, 2021 donated 180,000 AstraZeneca vaccines, which were received by Kenya National Taskforce for Vaccine Deployment chairman Dr Willis Akhwale, Chargé d’ Affaires of the Greek Embassy Sotirios Demestichas and then Head of the EU Delegation Katrin Hagemann.
The donation was facilitated via the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Agency.
Despite being silent relations, the two countries enjoy close bilateral ties, with Greece being the 36th state to recognize Kenya’s sovereignty.
According to the Greek embassy, commercial relations include exports mainly of fish, fruit, medicine and cosmetics. Tourism cooperation has been increasing, it says.
