Speech by the ambassador during the reception commemorating Kenya’s independence day on 9th December 2019
Hon. Said Djellab, Minister of Trade
Hon. Mustapha Kouraba, Minister of Public Works and Transport
Excellencies Ambassadors
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me thank you all for honouring us by your presence as we commemorate Kenya’s Independence Day. We value and appreciate the cooperation of our host country and the support of the various partners and friends present today.
May I take this opportunity to also introduce myself as Kenya’s new Ambassador. I arrived in the country on 21st November, 2019 and I am very grateful to our host as I was able to present my Letters of Credence exactly seven days after my arrival. This gesture means a lot and I do not take it for granted. It was a great honour to me and to my country.
Excellencies,
As we commemorate this historic day, I wish to appreciate Kenya’s relations with Algeria which date back to the struggle for independence. Various mechanisms have been agreed upon and signed between the two countries, foremost the agreement establishing a Joint Commission for Cooperation, which is poised to unlock further cooperation in sectors and bring these relations to a strategic level. We are looking forward to cooperate in the security sector with focus on integrated counter terrorism mechanism, border security and space science. In education; Kenyan students are increasingly taking up Algeria Government Scholarships in various disciplines including medicine, dentistry, architecture, science and technology.
Excellencies,
Arising from the country’s commitment to global peace and security, Kenya offered herself to serve as a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2021-2022, whose elections will be conducted in June 2020. Kenya was endorsed as Africa Union’s candidate for the UNSC Seat. I am pleased to note that Algeria was the first African country to endorse Kenya’s candidature in writing. This truly supports our partnership in promoting peace and security in Africa and beyond.
Excellencies,
Kenya pledges to pursue a 10 point Agenda. Foremost, Kenya will pursue a Building Bridges approach that ensures the achievement of the shared goals of world peace, security and sustainable development, through a synergy of action by all actors and stakeholders. Secondly, in Peace Keeping and Peace Support Operations Kenya will support and push for triangular consultation between the UN Security Council, the UN Secretariat and Troop Contributing Countries to ensure unity of effort and common commitment to peace keeping mandates. Thirdly, as an anchor state and guarantor of Regional Peace and Security Kenya; pledges to bring a wealth of experience in prevention and management of conflicts to the Council. Fourthly, Kenya is a front line state in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. In the Council we will push for technical assistance, capacity building and enhanced coordination to strengthen African States’ counter terrorism capacity. Our Fifth agenda will be on Women, Peace and Security as we recognize the crucial link between Women Peace and Security and we will endeavour to leverage gender perspective in seeking lasting solutions to peace and security.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Kenya recognizes that the youth play a significant role in maintaining peace, security and development. We will therefore support youth empowerment because the destiny of humanity is inextricably linked to the empowerment of the youth. Conflicts and disasters continue to generate unending humanitarian crises on a grand scale. Kenya has a firsthand experience as a refugee hosting country. Our seventh agenda therefore will centre on a commitment towards the protection of refugees, with regards to future large-scale refugee movements, as well as existing protracted refugees situations. Kenya holds the conviction that peace, security and stability cannot be enjoyed without the protection of human rights. We pledge to play an active role in mediation and resolution of conflicts with the objective of nurturing conditions for the promotion and protection of human rights.
Climate change has become a premier global concern. Kenya will leverage on her experience and position as the host country of the United Nations Environmental Programme to give fresh momentum and support for the global environmental agenda.
Last but not least, Kenya recognizes that sustainable development cannot be realized without peace and security, and vice versa. Kenya will consequently play a leading role to link the efforts of peace and security with sustainable development.
Excellencies,
A vote for Kenya is support for Africa. Let me thank our African brothers for their support and urge the rest of the international community to respect the African choice for the Non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council.
Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,
May I conclude by acknowledging Kenya’s sporting spirit and note that No Human is Limited as demonstrated by one Eliud Kipchoge the Best Marathon Runner from Kenya who ran a marathon under two hours this year. Algeria in the same spirit won the CAF Championship this year. Interestingly, they beat Kenya as they scaled to the top of Africa. Congratulations Team Algeria.
May I know invite you to a toast for the Kenya and Algeria relations, the continued peace and prosperity for the people of the two countries.
Cheers
Thank you.