Colombia Vice-President Francia Elena Márquez Mina in Nairobi for a 3 days’ state visit
The Colombia Vice-President Madam Francia Elena Márquez Mina is in Nairobi, Kenya for a three-day official visit that is aimed at boosting existing bilateral ties between the two countries.
The visiting Vice President jetted into the country yesterday at noon and was received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by the East Africa Community and Regional Development Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano.
Today, she will be hosted by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and the two leaders are set to explore various ways to strengthen the relations enjoyed by the two nations.
Mina said Kenya and Colombia have enjoyed warm and cordial relations since 1967 when the two countries established initial relations.
This is her maiden visit to Kenya and is set to reinforce the ties as the countries look to improve trade and increase bilateral exchanges in various fields of mutual interest.
The VP’s visit follows a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations signed by the two countries in 2021 whose main objective is enhancing the partnership and engagements existing between them.
“It is a great honour to host Her Excellency the Vice President of Colombia on her historic and maiden tour to Africa, which aims to bring Africa and particularly our two countries closer together.” Gachagua said ahead of the visit.
During her stay, Mina will hold talks Gachagua that will centre on boosting trade and investment, sharing best practices especially on economic models for transformation of the two countries’ economies and cultural exchanges.
The two leaders will also address a business forum before being hosted by President William Ruto at State House where a number of bilateral instruments will be signed in the presence of the Head of State.
The Kenya Kwanza administration led by President William Ruto shares similarities with the government of Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Vice President Francia Márquez Mina
Mina rose from a housekeeper to occupy the second highest office in the Colombian territory.
“Under the premise that all dignity is restored, Vice President Mina is determined to work on improving lives until dignity becomes customary.” The Colombian Embassy in Kenya said in a statement ahead of her visit.
Colombia is implementing a policy termed ‘Reconnecting with Africa’ that aims to bring Africa closer to the South American nation and the Caribbean as a block.
The visit is a furtherance of the cooperation dating decades back.
Currently, the Kenya government is collaborating with the Colombian government in various sectors including agriculture, environment conservation, science and technology, culture and education.
The Kenyan government seeks to cultivate cooperation in these sectors, with specific focus on the coffee sub sector. Kenya has approached Colombia for its expertise in coffee production.
Kenya and Colombia enjoy solid relations and have worked closely in the geopolitical arena signifying the vitality of the ties between the two nations.
Colombia supported Kenya’s candidature at the United Nations Security Council as a Non-Permanent member between 2021-2022.
Colombia is seeking Kenya’s support for its candidature of the United Nations Human Rights Council from 2025 to 2027.
Trade between the two nations has consistently risen.
In the last 26 years Kenya’s exports to Colombia have increased from $98,000 (Sh13.3 million) in 1995 to $2.1M (Sh272 million) in 2021.
