NAIROBI: Malaysia and Kenya have enhanced their bilateral relations to strategic partnerships that will see the two countries forge stronger collaboration in different fields.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this would go beyond traditional areas such as agriculture, and will include new fields such as technology, artificial intelligence and semiconductors.
He added that Malaysia will also share its experience through university collaboration and research.
At a joint press conference with the President of Kenya Dr William Ruto, the Prime Minister pointed out that both countries are ex-colonies of the West and it is time they merged as a forceful voice.
“We are the new voice. There is absolutely no reason why a country like Kenya with enormous potential and Malaysia cannot effectively collaborate and benefit from each others’ strengths,” he said.
Anwar commended Ruto on his vision as under his stewardship, the President has propelled not only the economy but infrastructure to ensure Kenya emerges as a great nation.
Meanwhile, Ruto said Malaysia and Kenya reaffirmed commitments to removing tariff and non-tariff barriers, expanding Kenyan exports to Malaysia, and deepening cooperation in digital technology and high-tech manufacturing.
“The removal of these tariffs is especially significant given the structure of our current trade,” he said.
He said discussions with Anwar reinforced the two countries’ longstanding friendship while charting an ambitious future together.
“We agreed to elevate our bilateral architecture by upgrading to a strategic bilateral partnership, ensuring that our cooperation advances with purpose and structure
“This visit comes at a defining moment for Kenya, as we advance a new national roadmap inspired by the experience of Malaysia and other Asian Tigers, nations that rose through discipline, strategy, and a commitment to excellence,” he said
Four Memoranda of Understanding were exchanged between Malaysia and Kenya during this visit.
They are MoU on cooperation in the Field of Tourism; bilateral Air Services Agreement; Document of Collaboration between Kuala Lumpur City Hall and Nairobi City County Government and MoU between Malaysia's National Chamber of Commerce and Kenya's National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Earlier, the Prime Minister arrived at the State House with a red carpet welcome and was received by Ruto.
After the national anthem of the two countries were played, Anwar proceeded to inspect the guard of honour.
The two leaders then introduced each other's delegations.
This is the first time a Malaysian Prime Minister has visited Kenya since 2007.
