Kenya, Jordan to boost trade in visit by King Abdullah II

King Abdullah II of Jordan (left) converses with Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta shortly before the opening of the 3rd Arab-Africa Summit at Bayan Palace in Kuwait on November 19, 2013. King Abdullah II is set to visit Kenya on September 26, 2016. PHOTO | DPPS

What you need to know:

  • State House Spokesman Manoah Esipisu on Sunday said the King will hold discussions with President Uhuru Kenyatta on security and terrorism.

Kenya hosts King Abdullah II of Jordan from Monday as the two countries look to improve trade relations that have remained strained following a ban on the exportation of domestic workers to the Middle Eastern country.

State House Spokesman Manoah Esipisu on Sunday said the King will hold discussions with President Uhuru Kenyatta on security and terrorism.

The King is reciprocating a visit by the President who went to Jordan in August last year.

“During his time here, His Majesty and the President will focus on discussions around security and counterterrorism. They will also witness joint military exercise between the Kenya Defence Forces and the Jordanian Armed Forces,” said Mr Esipisu during a briefing at State House.

While in Jordan, President Kenyatta attended the Horn of Africa Coordination Meeting at the city of Aqaba that focused on how to confront terrorism in the Horn of Africa.

South African President Jacob Zuma will follow in October as the two African leading economies seek to tighten their trade ties, which that have remained strong although faced by intermittent challenges.

“Kenya and South Africa have very strong ties which go back to the days when men and women of courage supported the fight for freedom in each country and especially against apartheid. This visit will review and strengthen that relationship especially now both countries are leaders on the continent,” the spokesman said.

Edited by Philip Momanyi