Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
KENYAN Ambassador to Zimbabwe Gertrude Nyausi Angote paid a courtesy call on Vice-President Dr Kembo Mohadi at his offices in Harare, where they discussed issues surrounding the handover of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) chairmanship from Kenya to Zimbabwe on Thursday.
The two also discussed trade cooperation, with Kenya expressing its desire to strengthen bilateral ties and increase trade volumes between the two countries.
Ms Angote said trade between Kenya and Zimbabwe had increased by 63 percent since last year, although it remained below potential.
The Ambassador said Kenya and Zimbabwe enjoyed longstanding bilateral relations based on mutual respect and African solidarity.
“I think we are very grateful, as the representatives of the people, the President and the Government of the Republic of Kenya to Zimbabwe,” she said.
“We are very pleased with the honour of His Excellency Vice President Kembo Mohadi to give us an opportunity to meet with him today.
“Kenya and Zimbabwe share a long-standing bilateral relationship which is based on mutual respect and very critical is Africa solidarity.
“We see this opportunity as very critical. Key issues that we have discussed with His Excellency the Vice President and which are very critical for us include one: the COMESA that is ongoing right now.
“As you all know, His Excellency, our President, Dr William Samuel Ruto, has been the chair of COMESA and will be tomorrow at the summit handing over the chairmanship to His Excellency Dr Mnangagwa.
Ms Angote also said they were looking forward to strengthening regional ties through the COMESA summit.
“We are looking forward to really extend and strengthen our regional ties through that nexus,” he said.
“As we know that Kenya will remain on the serving committee of COMESA and so we will work very closely also with Zimbabwe to ensure that we achieve the objectives of COMESA on the continent.”
