Advancing Kenya–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

The Republic of Kenya and the United Arab Emirates have reaffirmed the strong and enduring bilateral relations between the two countries during a courtesy call by H.E. Dr. Salim Ibrahim Alnaqbi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Kenya, on Ms. Edith K. Ngungu, Deputy Director, Legal Directorate.

The engagement followed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the Republic of Kenya and the United Arab Emirates by H.E. President William Ruto and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of bilateral economic cooperation.

Both sides welcomed the conclusion of the Agreement, noting that it represents the first CEPA concluded by the United Arab Emirates with a mainland African country. They underscored its potential to expand market access, create new opportunities for exporters and service providers, promote industrial development and regional value chains, and enhance the flow of foreign direct investment into priority sectors of the Kenyan economy.

The two sides expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved in finalizing the Agreement and reaffirmed their shared commitment to its effective implementation, with a view to deepening economic ties, supporting sustainable development, and advancing mutual prosperity.

The engagement further reaffirmed the strong and growing partnership between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates, grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision for enhanced trade, investment, and economic cooperation.