Kenya and Ethiopia have finalized a strategic framework agreement aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in economic and social development sectors.
This was announced at the 36th Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, underscoring the commitment to strengthen ties between the two nations.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi led the Kenyan delegation in Wednesday’s session, where he noted that the commission has helped resolve outstanding bilateral and regional issues and also improved the country’s political, economic, and social interaction.
He underscored the importance of addressing trade obstacles, both tariff and non-tariff, between Kenya and Ethiopia to facilitate increased trade volume.
Doing so, he noted, would not only promote regional peace, security, and development but also enhance cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations and the wider region.
The two countries pledged to enhance their cooperation and signed a Memorandum of Understanding in seven areas namely tourism, wildlife, culture, blue economy, petroleum, correctional services, and capacity building in public service.
“On our part, we are also committed to bolstering our ties with Kenya and working for peace and prosperity, including through enhanced security along the common border,” Stated Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Ambassador, Taye Atske Selassie.
They also reached an agreement on implementing time-bound monitoring mechanisms, including a midterm review scheduled to take place in Kenya in February of the following year. This review aims to evaluate progress made and lay the groundwork for the next Joint Ministerial Commission meeting slated for 2026.
Mudavadi and Selassie appreciated the JMC negotiation teams spearheaded by Ambassador Fisseh Shawul, Ethiopia’s Director General for African affairs, and Kenya’s Ambassador Moi Lemoshira, Director General of Bilateral and Political Affairs.
