Kenya-Russia to strengthen trade ties, Russian Speaker

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday held talks with Russia’s Senate Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, who paid him a courtesy call at State House, Nairobi.

Speaking during the meeting, President Kenyatta and Ms Matviyenko expressed the need for Kenya and Russia to enhance bilateral ties for the benefit of the people of the two countries.

The Senate Speaker said her country viewed Kenya as a strategic partner in Africa and was keen to see relations between the two countries strengthened.

She assured Kenya of continued support, especially at the international arena, noting that the two countries have always held similar positions on international issues.

“Our relations are based on mutual understanding and respect,” said Ms Matviyenko.

She called for diversification and increase of trade between Kenya and Russia, saying the two countries were not fully exploiting the existing business potential.

President Kenyatta emphasized that the governments of Kenya and Russia need to establish stronger ties that will allow the private sector to engage and do business directly.

“We are keen on concluding agreements that will open up the space for our people to do business directly instead of relying on third parties,” President Kenyatta said.

He expressed optimism that the visit by the Russian Senate Speaker will help the Kenyan and Russian legislatures to enhance cooperation to serve the electorate better.

At another function at State House, Nairobi, President Kenyatta bade farewell to Ambassador Eleftherios Kouvaritakis of Greece who is going back home after a successful tour of duty in Kenya.