“It is my earnest hope that I shall succeed in my endeavor to promote further the relations that exist so happily between our two countries,” Ambassador Vilan said. Somali Ambassador Hassan said the collaborative effort of Kenya and Somalia in the fight against terrorism is critical not only for the security of the two countries but also for the East African region and globally. Tanzanian High Commissioner Haule lauded the cordial relations between Kenya and his country and pledged to work diligently to boost the existing bilateral cooperation. Present were Foreign Affairs and International Trade Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed and Principal Secretary Eng. Karanja Kibicho among others.
RuThe envoys were the new Ukraine’s Ambassador to Kenya Amb. Yevhenii Tsymbaliuk, High Commissioner Brenda Muntemba of Zambia and Ambassador Erasmo Roberto Martinez of Mexico. Others were the incoming Israeli Ambassador to Kenya Amb. Yahel Vilan, Ambassador Gamal Mohamed Hassan of the Federal Republic of Somalia and High Commissioner John Michael Haule of the United Republic of Tanzania. President Kenyatta assured the diplomats of his Government’s commitment to working closely with them to boost cooperation between Kenya and their respective countries. He said Kenya was keen on promoting the exchange of ideas and nurturing mutual beneficial partnerships with friendly countries that would contribute to improving the lives of Kenyans. “I welcome you to Kenya and look forward to working closely with you in improving relations between our countries for the benefit of the people of our nations,” President Kenyatta said. Presenting his credentials, Ukranian Ambassador Tsymbaliuk said Kenya and Ukraine shared the same steady commitment to peace and security. “And it would be indifferent on my part not to mention Ukraine’s solidarity with the Kenyan Government in combating terrorism,” the Ukranian Ambassador said. See Also: Barack Obama arrives in Kenya On her part, Zambian High Commissioner Muntemba said her country and Kenya have enjoyed excellent relations since Zambia’s independence in 1964. “On behalf of my President and indeed the people of the Republic of Zambia, we wish to assure you of our continued commitment in praying for peace and prosperity of the Republic of Kenya,” the Zambian High Commissioner said. Speaking after presenting his credentials, Mexican Ambassador Martinez expressed his country’s eagerness to propel its relations with Kenya to a higher level. He cited the Mexican ancestral technique of nixtamilization of maize as an area of collaboration that could boost Kenya’s food security. Israeli Ambassador Vilan, on his part, said Israel puts great emphasis on promoting the various areas of cooperation with Kenya for the benefit of the two countries.