Newly-signed agreement strengthens ties between Philippines, Kenya

The Philippines and Kenya have forged a historic agreement to strengthen ties between both countries. Under a Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), both Manila and Nairobi will meet on a regular basis to explore ways to broaden and strengthen political, economic, scientific, technical, social and cultural cooperation between the two countries. Specifically, the Joint Commission will do the following:

• Conduct bilateral consultations and coordination with regard to important international issues and concerns;
• Follow up the implementation of the Agreements already concluded or to be concluded between the two countries;
• Promote activities in favor of political, commercial, economic, industrial, cultural and technical cooperation;
• Exchange information in the economic, commercial, scientific, industrial, cultural and technical fields;
• Facilitate implementation of relevant projects established in accordance with this Agreement by separate protocols; and
• Identify new fields for continued cooperation in community development, gender, social, economic, commercial, scientific, industrial, cultural and technical fields.

The agreement “is the first ever signed agreement between the two countries and will serve as the foundation for collaborative ties and provide guidance for the future of Philippines-Kenya relations," the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said, after the signing ceremony last March 19. The signing was made more significant as it falls on the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Erlinda Basilio and Kenyan non-resident Ambassador to the Philippines David Njoka signed the agreement. - RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV