Foreign Minister Eli Cohen concludes quick visit to Nairobi during which he met with the Kenyan Foreign Minister and other leaders.


Foreign Minister Eli Cohen on Sunday night concluded his diplomatic visit to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, during which he met with the country's foreign minister and other African leaders.

At the meetings, the ministers discussed the strengthening of ties between Israel and Kenya and the African continent and expanding the circle of relations with other African countries.

Foreign Minister Cohen noted that, in recent months, the economic ties between the countries have strengthened and that cooperation in the field of cyber defense and the expansion of charter flights between Israel and Kenya during the tourist season are on the agenda.

"The diplomatic visit to Nairobi has regional and strategic importance against the background of Iran's attempts to expand its influence on the continent. Kenya's regional position makes it a key partner of Israel in the East African region. Kenya's membership in the board of the International Atomic Energy Agency allows it to influence the international supervision of the Iranian violations in the nuclear program," said the Foreign Minister.
He added, "I thank Kenyan President Ruto and Foreign Minister Mutua for their efforts to promote Israel's standing on the continent and to open doors for the State of Israel in countries on the continent with which we do not yet have diplomatic relations. We will continue to strengthen economic ties with Kenya in the fields of agriculture, tourism and cyber, especially in light of Kenya’s decision that Israel will lead the national cyber project."

Kenya is a key ally of Israel in East Africa which helps in expanding the circle of peace and normalization and confirming Israel's position as an observer in the African Union.