Joint Communiqué issued by Amb. Raychelle Omamo and Dr Naledi Pandor at the Inaugural Session of the Kenya – South Africa Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC), held on 11th August, 2021

1. The Inaugural Session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) between the Governments of the Republics of Kenya and South Africa was held on 11th August, 2021 in Nairobi, Kenya.

2. Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, at the invitation of her Kenyan counterpart led the South African delegation to the Session. This was pursuant to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Establishment of a Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC), which took place on 2nd October 2007.

3. The two Ministers reviewed and exchanged views on the status of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved in various areas of cooperation since its signing. They hailed the robust, broad and friendly relations that exist between the two countries and emphasised the need to continue working jointly towards enhancing political, economic and defence cooperation. Both Ministers reaffirmed the close friendship, common interests and values that are the foundation of the strong relationship between the two countries.

4. Desirous of further strengthening and elevating the status of bilateral relations between the two countries, the two Ministers welcomed negotiations of Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding under six (6) areas of mutual interest, namely:

 

i. Correctional services;
ii. Political Consultations;
iii. Migration;
iv. Tourism;
v. Return of Nationals Refused Entry and Illegal Entrants; and
vi. Diplomatic Training

5. The two Ministers further exchanged views on possible areas of cooperation and collaboration and committed to, among others things, address all the impediments that hinder bilateral cooperation. These areas include trade and investment; agriculture, livestock and fisheries; education and human resource development; Art, Culture and sports; defence and police matter; health; science and technology; energy; maritime and air transport; Housing and human settlement and infrastructure development within the Lamu Port, South Sudan, Ethiopia (LAPSSET) Corridor.

6. Both Parties further exchanged views on regional and continental developments as well as multilateral co-operation.

7. The JCC noted with appreciation and encouraged the collaboration and coordination between the three African non-permanent members (A3) of the UNSC. The JCC also welcomed the decision taken by the non-permanent member of the UNSC from the Latin American Group to coordinate and support the A3 in advancing the African Agenda in the Security Council.

8. The two Ministers noted the progress made in the implementation of the United Nations Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security that was adopted in October 2000 and committed to support each other’s initiatives in advancing that Agenda.

9. Both parties expressed appreciation for the JCC which has provided an excellent platform for dialogue and cooperation since inception. They further observed that holding of the inaugural session of the JCC was reflective of the commitments by the Heads of State of the two countries who have indicated their desire to elevate the relations to a higher level. In this regard, the two Ministers look forward to the forthcoming State Visit by HE President Uhuru Kenyatta to South Africa, at the invitation of HE President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa.

Nairobi, Kenya

11th August, 2021

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084