Kenya and Ethiopia pledges enhanced ties as Moyale Border Post is commissioned

President Kenyatta and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have pledged to enhance bilateral relations between Kenya and Ethiopia as part of ongoing efforts to tap into the region’s unexploited potential.

Speaking during the commissioning of the Moyale One Stop Border Post, President Kenyatta said the two nations have already elevated their relationship adding that the two countries share similar aspirations to maintain a free and open trade and investment environment.

“I am convinced there is still tremendous potential to grow our trade volumes and recognises the importance of strategic partnerships and the development of joint infrastructure projects which will further cement the close ties between Kenya and Ethiopia” Observed president Kenyatta.

The president saying that the launch of the iconic one stop border post displays concerted efforts and commitment by the two neighbours to continue on the path of enhancing bilateral relations as well as facilitating trade and investment between Kenya and Ethiopia.

According to president Kenyatta, the completion of the border post, will enhance mutual interactions among the citizens of the two nations, create synergy as well as unity of purpose.

The president making a promise to use the Nairobi-Addis Ababa transport corridor during his next visit to Ethiopia.

“When I visited Ethiopia not long time ago, we made a promise that this road will be complete. And now we are in a position to travel from Addis Ababa to Nairobi and my next visit to Addis Ababa, I’m going to use this road, from Nairobi all the way to Addis Ababa” promised the head of state.

Speaking during the event, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said recent development projects between the two nations have acted to dismantle boundaries that had existed between communities living along the common border.

“It is a great joy for me to witness that we are one people, one family within two countries that share a border.   This border in my opinion, will be dismantled with the new infrastructure.” Observed Abiy.

The new infrastructure according to Abiy will allow for the exchange of experiences in investment, trade and tourism even as he urged other members of the East African community to follow suit and integrate the entire region.

The two leaders also visited Lamu County to inspect the ongoing construction of the new Lamu Port an anchor project of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor.

Abiy who is in the country for a two-day state visit will also accompany his host President Uhuru Kenyatta to Mombasa to inspect the Mombasa-Nairobi-Addis Ababa road corridor which is an important segment of the Trans-African Highway corridor from Cairo to Cape Town.

Kenya and Ethiopia have already elevated their relationship by putting in place a bi-national commission, which is the highest level of structured bilateral cooperation.