JOINT COMMUNIQUE

ON THE OCCASION OF THE STATE VISIT TO KENYA OF

HIS EXCELLENCY DR. GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER IN- CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

5TH-7TH SEPTEMBER, 2013

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At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, C.G.H, H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, paid a State Visit to the Republic of Kenya from 5 th7th September, 2013. 2. In a convivial and warm atmosphere, reflecting the

cordial and personal relations between them, the two Presidents met and held extensive discussions on a wide range of bilateral issues between the two countries. The diverse agenda also provided the two Presidents the opportunity to review and agree on current regional, continental and global issues. 3. Recalling the long and friendly bilateral relations

between Kenya and Nigeria, the two Presidents appreciated the historic ties that bind the two countries together. This warm relationship was exemplified by the attendance of President Goodluck Jonathan at the inauguration of President Uhuru Kenyatta in April, 2013 and the subsequent visit to Nigeria of President Kenyatta in July, 2013 to attend the Abuja +12 Summit, which also witnessed the signing of three Agreements between Nigeria and Kenya.
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The two Presidents: 4. Appreciated that the Agreement establishing a Joint for Cooperation (JCC) between the two

Commission

countries that was concluded on 16 th July, 2013 in Abuja, Nigeria, has provided an effective legal framework for strengthening bilateral relations and for deepening cooperation between the two countries. 5. Reaffirmed their enduring commitment to enhance

and further deepen the warm and friendly relations existing between the two countries with concrete, sustainable and mutually rewarding legal instruments and activities that would increase trade, investment and job creation. 6. Agreed that in order to increase trade between the and of diverse both opportunities to for trade and

two countries, promote Intra-African trade and expand the numerous authorities investment, the two Presidents directed the relevant countries immediately identify measures required to eliminate tariff and non- tariff barriers to trade such as visa restrictions and poor infrastructure. The two Presidents also directed that the relevant

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authorities of the two countries expedite the conclusion of the Draft Agreement on Immigration Matters.

7.

Further

agreed

that

the

existing

structures

established to regulate the extensive and diverse bilateral relations between the two countries would be elevated, to manage the evolving Strategic Partnership between the two countries, eventually leading into the establishment of a BiNational Commission. 8. The two Presidents witnessed the historic signing of

the following Agreement/MoUs: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. 9. Agreement on Visa Exemption for holders of Diplomatic Passports; MOU on the Conclusion of Agreements on Double Taxation and Promotion and Protection Investments (IPPA); MoU on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Cooperation; MoU on Tourism Co-operation; MoU on Twinning of Cities and Towns; MoU on Trade and Investment Cooperation and MoU on Oil & Gas Cooperation.

The two Presidents stressed the role of the African

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Union (AU) in the pursuit of peace and security in the

African Continent, particularly in the Horn of Africa, West Africa, the Great Lakes Region and the Sahel. They also committed to re-dedicate their efforts to combat transnational crime, human and drugs trafficking, maritime insecurity and piracy and underscored the primacy of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security.

10. They

noted

that

Kenya

and

Nigeria

are

active

members of the United Nations and other Multilateral Organizations and share similar world views and consensus on many issues and agreed to continue to cooperate at international fora on matters of mutual concern.

11. The two Presidents further condemned the heinous acts being committed by terrorists and criminal gangs including Al-Shabaab and Boko Haram and renewed their countries determination to fight terrorism along with the rest of the International Community

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12. H.E, President Uhuru Kenyatta, on behalf of the people of Kenya, acknowledged the steadfast support of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Government and people of Kenya and thanked H.E President Goodluck Jonathan for honouring his invitation to visit Kenya. 13. H.E. President Goodluck Jonathan expressed warm appreciation to H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta, the people and the government of Kenya, for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to his delegation during the visit. 14. H.E. President Goodluck Jonathan extended an

invitation to H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta to pay a State Visit to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with a specific date to be mutually agreed through diplomatic channels. 15. His Excellency, President Uhuru Kenyatta warmly accepted the invitation.

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Dated this . Kenya

day of September, 2013 in Nairobi,

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

FOR THE

REPUBLIC OF KENYA

___________________________ H.E. AMB. OLUGBENGA ASHIRU, MFR HON. MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

_____________________________ AMB. AMINA C. MOHAMED. CBS.CAV CABINET SECRETARY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE

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