NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 19 – President Mwai Kibaki at State House, Nairobi received credentials from seven newly posted envoys in the country.
The envoys are Ittiporn Boonpracong of Thailand, Turkey’s Huseyin Avni Aksoy, Rafuzzaman Siddiqui of Pakistan, Marak Ziolkowaski of Poland, Ezechiel Nibigira of Burundi, Lulia Pataki of Romania and Yamina Karitanyi of Rwanda.
During the brief ceremony, President Kibaki encouraged the diplomats to tour various parts of the country to sample the hospitality of Kenyan people as well to visit world renowned historical and tourist attraction sites.
He also assured them of government support to facilitate their success while in their tour of duty in the country.
Presenting her papers Kartanyi of Rwanda said her country was firmly committed to regional peace and stability and will continue playing a leading role in the East African Standby force in support of initiatives to enhance integration and development.
The High Commissioner lauded the leadership role President Kibaki and the Kenya government has played in regional peace, integration and stability in the horn of Africa.
She said: “The encouraging progress of the Customs Union and Common Markets Protocol underscore the serious determination of the East African
leadership and citizenry to construct a powerful and sustainable economic and political bloc.”
The New Ambassador to Burundi expressed his government’s commitment to the full implementation of the various East African political and economic integration protocols.
Nibigira assured the President that he would strive to deepen the already existing cordial relations between the two East African countries for the benefit of their people and the region.
President Kibaki told the diplomats that the East African Community was now richer with the inclusion of both Burundi and Rwanda.
Presenting his credentials, Thailand Ambassador Mr. Boonpracong assured the President that he would strive to strengthen the bond of friendship and meaningful cooperation between the two countries.
The Ambassador said great opportunity exists for the two countries to expand further their trade volumes and cooperation given that Kenya and Thailand enjoyed strategic geo-location in their respective regions.
On his part, the new Pakistan High Commissioner Siddiqui said his country and Kenya are committed to strengthening peace, security and prosperity in their respective regions and supports the ongoing fight against international terrorism which remains the greatest global challenge.
He observed that convergence of interests encouraged the two countries to cooperate in various spheres at bilateral and international levels and affirmed his commitment to consolidate and expand areas of collaboration.
Ambassador Avni Aksoy of Turkey while presenting his credentials, said he was happy to represent his country in Kenya, a country with the most vibrant economy and the hub of East Africa.
The Ambassador expressed his determination to strengthen the already flourishing relations between the two countries.
In attendance were Foreign Affairs Minister Prof Sam Ongeri, acting Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet Francis Kimemia and the Political and Diplomatic Secretary in the ministry of foreign affairs Amb. M.D. Wamoto among other senior government officials.
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