Khalifa holds talks with Kenyan President

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Mwai Kibaki, Kenyan President, held talks at the Diyafha Palace in Mushrif, Abu Dhabi on Monday.

General Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, was also present.

At the meeting, His Highness the President of the UAE expressed hopes of more progress in the relations with Kenya. He also expressed hopes that the current visit of the Kenyan President would contribute to promoting and advancing friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries to live up to the aspirations of the their peoples.

Bilateral and historical relations between the UAE and Kenya, ways to further advance them in light of their potentials and strategic locations, opening new venues of cooperation between them in various spheres, in economy and investment in particular, were discussed during the talks.

The two sides also exchanged views on the regional and international developments of common concern.

The Kenyan President expresses happiness over visiting the UAE and meeting His Highness the President of the UAE.

He commended the progress and achievements the UAE is making in various areas, in particular urban and economic growth which gave the UAE its prestigious regional and global stature, thanks to the wise leadership of Sheikh Khalifa.

Kibaki expressed his country's desire for finding more opportunities for economic and investment cooperation with the UAE.

He noted that there are encouraging data for building a fruitful economic and investment partnership that would serve the common interests of the two countries.

Kibaki also thanked the UAE for its humanitarian support to African countries in face of natural disasters and crises.

In this regard, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan underlined the significance of stability of the Horn of Africa in order to allow the regional countries achieve development and ensure dignified life for their citizens.

Later, Sheikh Khalifa hosted a lunch banquet in honor of the Kenyan President and members of the accompanying delegation.

12-gun salute

Earlier, upon his arrival President Kibaki was given a 21-gun salute and a guard of honour. The national anthem of the Republic of Kenya was played on the occasion.

President of Kenya then headed to the Union Hall where he shook hands with Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Speaker of Federal National Council, Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler`s Representative in the Eastern Region, Sheikh Surour bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Lt.General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, Dr. Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Public Works, Ahmed Juma Al Za'abi, Deputy Minister for Presidential Affairs in addition to a number of sheikhs, ministries and senior officials.

Sheikh Khalifa greeted members of the high profile delegation accompanying the Kenyan President including Kenya's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Kenyan Foreign Minister Moses Wetangula, Kenyan Minister of Energy Kiraitu Murungi, Minister for Labour John Munyes, Minister for Tourism Najib Balala and Minister of State for Immigration and Registration of Persons, Gerald Kajwang, Mohamed A. Gello, Kenyan Ambassador to the state in addition to a number of senior officials accompanying the president.

The Kenyan President is accompanied by mission of honour headed by Dr. Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for Financial Affairs.

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