Egypt-Kenya Joint Declaration

Upon an invitation from His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, made a state visit to Cairo from 29 to 31 January 2025. The two heads of state held bilateral talks.

The Arab Republic of Egypt and the Republic of Kenya agreed to advance their relations to the level of strategic and comprehensive partnership, based on common values and mutual respect. In recognition of the historical ties that brought them together across geography, culture, politics and relations between the two peoples, the two countries affirmed their commitment to deepening common stability, peace and prosperity.

To significantly strengthen relations, the two countries signed 12 cooperation agreements in the fields of: political consultations, diplomatic training, investment facilitation, port cooperation, youth, space, communications and information technology, higher education, gender equality, women’s empowerment, housing and urban development. The two parties affirmed their commitment to the principles stipulated in the Charter of the United Nations and the Constitutive Act of the African Union.

Accordingly, Egypt and Kenya agreed to formulate and sign a comprehensive strategic partnership document that defines areas of cooperation, namely: political relations, economic, trade and investment cooperation, cooperation in the field of security and counter-terrorism, water issues, regional cooperation, multilateral cooperation, climate change, cultural and educational cooperation, and cooperation in capacity building. Implementing these areas will maximize the potential of relations between Egypt and Kenya.

Political Relations:

Egypt and Kenya acknowledge the escalating challenges facing the African continent in light of a rapidly changing global system characterized by rising polarization and competition among major powers. They also recognize the opportunities the continent enjoys due to its natural resources, youthful population, and promising development indicators.

In this context, Egypt and Kenya agreed on intensifying coordination and consultation on regional and international issues of mutual interest. They emphasized the need to double efforts to enhance the role and performance of the African Union in order to increase its capacity to confront the continent’s challenges and to promote cooperation and integration within Africa. In this framework, both countries reaffirmed their strong commitment to working together with like-minded member states in the African Union to support the reform of the organization.

The two sides also agreed to hold regular consultations at the appropriate level to discuss issues of common interest in accordance with this joint declaration, and to periodically assess the status of the implementation of the strategic partnership.

Economic, Trade, and Investment Cooperation:

Egypt and Kenya realize the significant opportunities to strengthen bilateral economic, trade, and investment relations. Both sides agreed to exert additional efforts at the government level and to encourage greater involvement and leadership from the private sector to increase trade, expand areas of cooperation, and explore new investment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, irrigation, water management, energy, information and communication technology, and vital infrastructure, as key sectors to stimulate job creation, reduce poverty, and achieve sustainable development.

In this context, the two countries also realize the need to address trade and investment barriers that hinder efforts to enhance broader economic integration in Africa. To achieve this, they agreed to intensify efforts to ensure the swift and full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The two sides agreed to establish an Egypt-Kenya Business Council, aimed at elevating bilateral ties and addressing new trade and investment opportunities in sectors of mutual interest. The Business Council will meet no later than the end of 2025.

Security and Counterterrorism Cooperation:

Egypt and Kenya affirm that security cooperation is a fundamental pillar of their strategic partnership. The two countries recognize that they have made significant strides in enhancing security cooperation, reflecting their commitment to supporting peace and stability in their regions.

The two countries particularly emphasize the importance of addressing the threat posed by terrorism and extremism. In this context, they agreed to exchange and share experiences in comprehensive approaches, including military, security, intellectual, environmental, and developmental dimensions. They also agreed to explore ways to expand cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts to strengthen regional efforts in this field.

Both sides are further committed to working together to support the resolution of conflicts in Africa by promoting a comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of these conflicts through regional and international initiatives aimed at building and sustaining peace and development.

Water Issues:

Based on their shared vision for the sustainable management of water resources and addressing the challenges posed by water management amidst growing populations, increased water demand, and climate change, Egypt and Kenya agreed to bilateral and regional cooperation in water sector collaboration.

The two countries decided to work together to meet vital human water needs and ensure sustainable water supply for life, agriculture, food production, and ecosystem services.

In this context, the two sides agreed to regularly consult on Nile water issues to amplify and deepen consensus for the shared benefit and cooperation in the Nile Basin, in accordance with international law and best practices, to ensure that all Nile Basin countries achieve water security, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development, while respecting the principle of “Do no harm”.

Regional Cooperation:

The two countries expressed the need to continue strengthening the core values of the African Union, based on the principles of African unity. They also stressed the urgent need to maintain focus on the goals stated in Agenda 2063, in order to achieve “The Africa We Want”, by moving the Africa agenda forward. We stressed the need to strengthen the management and governance structures of the African Union Commission to make it more flexible and effective in facing the challenges facing our continent.

Multilateral Cooperation:

At the multilateral level, the two countries stressed the need to preserve the agenda of the countries of the Global South. They agreed on the need for reforms in the United Nations and other multilateral organizations to make them more representative, accountable, effective, and able to respond to the geopolitical realities, threats, challenges, and opportunities of our time. They affirmed their commitment to the common African position on the reform of the United Nations Security Council, as stipulated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.

Climate Change:

The two countries noted that climate change is a global problem that requires global solutions. However, Africa is the most affected by this crisis. In this context, both countries recognize the urgent need to intensify coordinated efforts to confront the challenges posed by this crisis, especially in the areas of agriculture and food security.

The current climate finance ecosystem also requires structural and transformative reform. This system must become more responsive, just and innovative to effectively address pressing challenges, especially the heavy debt servicing burden borne by developing countries.

Cultural and Educational Cooperation:

Egypt and Kenya emphasized the long-term cultural exchange between them that brought their peoples together throughout history. They also acknowledged that education and scientific research are crucial to their growing partnership. In this context, the two countries renewed their commitment to continue reviving and enhancing cooperation and exchanging experiences in the fields of arts development, cultural events, and heritage preservation.

The two countries also pledged to continue exploring opportunities for cooperation in higher education, including scholarships, exchange of expertise between educational institutions, and curriculum development.

Capacity Building Cooperation:

Egypt and Kenya acknowledge the importance of building their human and institutional capacities for sustainable social, economic and political development. In this regard, they pledged to enhance Kenya's access to programs provided by the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development and the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding CCCPA.

Conclusion:

The Arab Republic of Egypt and the Republic of Kenya affirm their firm commitment to this strategic and comprehensive partnership, which will form the cornerstone of deeper cooperation and mutual prosperity, and open a new chapter of bilateral relations.

    Abdel Fattah El-Sisi                                                           Dr. William Samoei Ruto

President of the Arab Republic of Egypt                             President of the Republic of Kenya