Media Statement

10 August 2021

Minister Pandor travels to Kenya to inaugurate the South Africa – Kenya Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC)

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will represent South Africa at the First Session of the South Africa – Kenya Joint Commission of Cooperation (JCC), scheduled to take on 10 – 11 August 2021 in Nairobi, Republic of Kenya.

Minister Pandor has been invited by her counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kenya, Ambassador Raychelle Omamo.

The JCC will seek to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries. It is also expected that the JCC will provide a platform to explore areas of cooperation to strengthen economic ties.

Furthermore, it is expected that the JCC will activate engagements between government departments in both countries to expand cooperation within the various sectors.

South Africa and Kenya enjoy strong bilateral relations. There are several bilateral agreements in place, six of which were signed during the State Visit to Kenya in 2016.

Since the signing of the agreements, co-operation between the public and private sectors of South Africa and Kenya has remained vigorous and sustained. The Departments of Trade and Industry, Home Affairs, Tourism, Transport, Correctional Services, Defence, Basic Education, Human Settlements and Public Enterprises, among others, continue to engage in sharing best practices in projects and hosting reciprocal technical visits.

South Africa and Kenya share a long history of friendship, mutual respect, common values and solidarity not only on issues of bilateral concern, but also the vision for our Continent. Both our countries are proponents of Pan-Africanism and hold a common vision for the development and Renaissance of Africa as encapsulated in Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.

While in Nairobi, Minister Pandor will deliver an invitation from President Ramaphosa to HE President Kenyatta on a State Visit to South Africa at the end of 2021.

The JCC provides an opportunity to finalise negotiations of Agreements at high level for signature during the much-anticipated incoming State Visit of President Kenyatta.

Minister Pandor’s visit is preceded by meetings of senior officials from Kenya and South Africa on 9-10 August 2021.

Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

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