Dr. Machar briefed President Kenyatta on his meetings with IGAD Chairperson and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, as well as his desire to pursue peace for South Sudan. He praised the Ethiopian leader for his efforts in trying to end the conflict in South Sudan.
The former South Sudan Vice-President also thanked President Kenyatta for his role in seeking peace in South Sudan, and particularly for appointing a special envoy to assist the parties in seeking a resolution.
He said his negotiation team was prepared to continue with talks in Addis Ababa to find a solution to the South Sudan political impasse.
Dr. Machar and South Sudan President Salva Kiir signed a peace agreement early this month.
New envoys
Meanwhile, President Uhuru Kenyatta Thursday received credentials from 11 envoys accredited to Kenya at State House, Nairobi.
They were Dong Gyou Choi of Korea, Godefroid Niyombare of Burundi,Yogeshwar Varma of India, Jones Biniana Lucila of Argentina and Daniel Antonio of Mozambique.
Others are Vo Thanh Nam of Vietnam, Bisher Al-Khasawneh of Jordan, Charalambos Kapsos of Cyprus, Daniel Runen Castillos Gomez of Uruguay, George Aboua of Cote D’Ivoire and Vivienne T. Wreh of Liberia.
President Kenyatta affirmed Government’s commitment to working closely with the new envoys to boost cooperation between Kenya and their countries.
He said Kenya welcomed the exchange of ideas and experiences that would help improve the lives of Kenyans.
President Kenyatta said, “I look forward to working closely with you not only to improve relations between our countries but also to benefit our people”.
The incoming envoys expressed their commitment to strengthen working relationships for mutual benefits.
They praised Kenya’s role in peace initiatives in the horn of Africa, particularly Somalia and South Sudan. They pledged to support Kenya in the war against terrorism and other international crimes.
Presenting her credentials, Argentina’s Ambassador said her country attaches great importance to relations with Kenya under the framework of the South-South cooperation and looked forward to deepening the relations through exchange of expertise in agriculture and the oil industry.
India’s High Commissioner said his country will strive to reduce trade imbalance through transfer of technology, particularly investment in small medium enterprises and information technology.
He expressed his country’s appreciation to Kenya for hosting many Indian nationals and guaranteeing a conducive environment that enabled them to engage in economic activities.
Burundian Ambassador described Kenya as a true neighbour who lends a helping hand to his country during difficult times.
He also said Burundi shares Kenya’s concerns on terror threats. Burundi has contributed troops to Somalia through AMISOM alongside Kenya and Uganda.
