Kenya and Zanzibar agree to expand cooperation in the blue economy and trade

Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah:

Kenyan President William Ruto emphasized the depth historical relations Which brings together Kenya and Tanzania, stressing the commitment of both countries to continue strengthening joint cooperation in various vital areas, in order to support development and improve the standard of living of citizens.

Ruto explained that relations between the two countries are based on solid foundations of good neighborliness, mutual respect, and strong social and economic ties that have remained an important factor in uniting the people of Kenya and Tanzania for many years.

The Kenyan president's remarks came after a meeting with Zanzibar's President Hussein Ali Mwinyi on the sidelines of the 11th edition of the "Our Ocean" conference held in the Kenyan city of Mombasa.

Agreement to strengthen cooperation in the blue economy

Ruto noted that the talks addressed ways to deepen cooperation in a number of sectors of common interest, most notably the blue economy, trade and investment, stressing the keenness of both sides to invest in available opportunities to achieve greater economic integration and sustainable development.

He added that the discussions emphasized the importance of expanding areas of partnership and coordination between the two sides in a way that positively impacts the lives of citizens and enhances the utilization of shared resources and opportunities in the region.

Zanzibar is part of Tanzania but enjoys self-governance.

Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania, although it enjoys self-governance in internal affairs. It consists of a group of islands located in the Indian Ocean belonging to Tanzania in East Africa, 35 km from the coast called Tanganyika, and 118 miles south of Mombasa in Kenya.

In another context, after the conclusion of the eleventh edition of the conference “Our environment”In Mombasa, Kenyan President William Ruto stressed that the real challenge is to turn pledges and promises into practical steps and tangible results on the ground.

Ruto said that maintaining the health and sustainability of the oceans will not be achieved through statements and speeches, but requires serious actions to mobilize funding, leverage technology and innovation, strengthen national capacities, and accelerate the implementation of the shared commitments agreed upon during the conference.

The Kenyan president stressed that the true measure of the conference’s success is not the size of the pledges announced during its events, but rather the actual achievements that will be realized in the seas and oceans during the coming period.

He noted that Kenya is ready to lead this path through the full implementation of the 50 commitments it announced during the conference, to support the country’s blue economy, which is valued at over US$1.1 billion, equivalent to about 142 billion Kenyan shillings.