The Kenyan Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Ali Abbas hosted a reception to commemorate the 55th anniversary of his country\u2019s Independence Day at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on 16 December. Assistant Foreign Minister for African Affairs Ambassador Hamad Al-Mashaan was the chief guest at the function.<\/p>\n
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Abbas lauded the strong relations between Kenya and Kuwait that have grown tremendously since diplomatic ties were established in 1965. He noted the growth of relations between the two countries through exchange of high-level bilateral visits at the executive, legislative and technical levels, which had led to various agreements and growth in trade between the two countries.<\/p>\n
Ambassador Abbas praised His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for his humanitarian and mediation activities for peace both within the region and far beyond. He added that in the past decade the Kenyan Government has also mediated and successfully negotiated several peace frameworks within the East African and Horn of Africa region. He stressed his country\u2019s resolution in championing for peaceful co-existence with our neighbors for the greater benefit of the region.<\/p>\n
With regards to Kuwait\u2019s assistance in development of his country, the ambassador noted that the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development has sponsored various projects across Kenya in health, construction, education and agricultural sectors. He added that these important projects support the current development acceleration strategy under the Big 4 agenda,<\/p>\n
He added that both Kenya and Kuwait are working towards further elevating their relations under the joint commission for cooperation framework, which is expected to expand engagements in various fields, including labor, for the mutual benefit of the two countries.<\/p>\n
On his part, Ambassador Al-Mashaan reiterated the strong friendship shared between Kuwait and Kenya, and revealed that six agreements have been signed with Kenya covering political, economic and cultural fields. He added that since its inception the Kuwait Fund has provided $100 million in loans in diverse areas of health, electricity, water and sanitation in Kenya.<\/p>\n
Kenya celebrates its Independence Day as Jamhuri Day to mark the day it obtained independence from Great Britain on 12 December, 1963. The day takes its name from the Swahili word jamhuri (\u2018republic\u2019).<\/p>\n\r\n