Kenya, Qatar sign pacts on tourism, education and culture

Emin of the State of Qatar His Highness Sheik Tamim Bin Hamad inspects Guard of Honor when he paid a courtesy call to President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House Nairobi 11/04/17 PHOTO MOSES OMUSULA

Kenya and Qatar have signed agreements to promote tourism, education and culture.

The deals signed with the rich Persian Gulf nation are part of activities marking the Emir of Qatar's visit to Kenya.

The agreements were signed between President Uhuru Kenyatta and His Highness Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at State House.

Uhuru also presented proposals on new opportunities for investment to Qatar.

The MoU on tourism provides for creation of conditions for long-term collaboration through exchange of expertise, statistics, marketing and promotion.

The pact on education provides a framework for cooperation in basic education, higher education and science and technology through exchanges of information, expertise and visits.

THROUGH EXCHANGES

The two countries also signed an agreement that provides for co-operation in understanding and promoting each other's culture, through exchanges and participation in each other's activities such as festivals, symposia and exhibitions.

President Kenyatta hailed the visit by the Emir as testimony of the cordial relations between the two countries.

He said the agreements will facilitate implementation of projects in various sectors. He other proposals will be presented to the Qatari leader during his visit.

"Kenya will appreciate your country's support for development projects in infrastructure, education, energy, tourism and hospitality sectors among others," said the President.

He encouraged Qatar to continue using Kenya as a spring board for its investments in the Comesa market region noting Kenya has the right mix of being a regional business, financial, transport and industrial hub.

President Kenyatta also thanked the government of Qatar for the support it gave to the National Treasury to establish the Nairobi International Finance Center.

"Financial services sector is one of the key drivers of Kenya's economy and therefore the Financial Centre will be a catalyst to international financial transactions both in Kenya and in the region once it is complete," said President Kenyatta.

The Qatari Emir said it was unfortunate that Kenya and Qatar have in the past failed to exploit their historical ties for the economic growth.

He said his visit will strengthen mechanisms to exploit new opportunities created after President Kenyatta's visit to Qatar in 2014.

Al Thani also lauded Kenya for its efforts in fighting terror. "Terrorism is a global problem that requires the world to come together to provide a solution," he said.