Kenyan leader to focus on trade, diplomacy as he visits Britain

NAIROBI, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta is set to make a five-day visit to Britain from Monday with focus on trade, investment and global diplomacy topping his agenda, the presidency said on Sunday.

State House spokesman Manoah Esipisu said Kenyatta will embark on the visit with his mind set on boosting trade ties with Britain and other Commonwealth countries as well as diversifying investments that Kenya attracts.

"The president's visit will continue to focus his agenda on entrenching Kenya's place in global diplomacy, as well as showcasing our country as an attractive investment destination," Esipisu told journalists in Nairobi.

He said Kenyatta will be part of leaders from 53 Commonwealth countries who will gather in London this week to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

CHOGM, a biennial meeting of leaders from the 53 countries that make up the Commonwealth of Nations, will this year be held with the theme "Towards a common future" and is focused on promoting prosperity, safety, sustainability and fairness.

Esipisu said the president intends to aggressively promote Kenya as a preferred destination for investors at the summit's high-profile forums that will bring together leaders of Government and investors.

Esipisu said the president is also due to hold discussions with British Prime Minister Theresa May also centered on trade, investment, security, and bilateral relations between Kenya and the United Kingdom.

"As you know, the UK is a key traditional partner of Kenya's, and a big importer of some our products, including fresh produce, flowers and tea. And we value our relationship with them," Esipisu said.

He said Kenyatta's diary is packed with the first day and second day entirely devoted to national and regional issues, while the third and fourth day is devoted to the CHOGM, which will bring together more than 50 Heads of Government.

"It is essentially a platform for the President to share his view on a range of areas as a Kenyan leader and a pan-Africanist, including security, South Sudan and Somalia, regional integration and global trends," said Esipisu. Enditem