Kenyan president visits South Africa to shore up bilateral ties

NAIROBI, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday travelled to South Africa on a three-day official visit aimed at boosting bilateral ties between the two countries.

The State House in a statement issued before Kenyatta's departure said the Kenyan leader will hold talks with his host, South African President Jacob Zuma on a wide range of areas including trade, security and infrastructure development.

"During the talks this afternoon, President Kenyatta and President Zuma will seek to review the progress in the implementation of earlier signed agreements and explore new areas to deepen the fraternal ties between Kenya and South Africa," State House said.

Kenyatta's discussion with Zuma will focus on bridging the balance of trade which is currently highly in favor of South Africa.

The presidency said the two leaders will also explore areas geared towards increasing consultations on global issues that would be enhanced by increased contacts at the highest bilateral level.

Kenyatta is also expected to meet Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, who succeeded Zuma last month as party leader of the ruling African National Congress.

"He will also meet Johannesburg business community; and the Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen South Africa, Thomas Schaefer, who set up an assembling plant in Kenya in December 2016," it said.

In October 2016, President Zuma made a historic State visit to Kenya which witnessed the signing of multiple agreements and Memoranda of Understanding in various sectors concerning cooperation in defense, investment, biodiversity and travel. Enditem