This archive report was first published on 27 November 2019.
On Tuesday, November 26, 2019, Tanzania and Suriname expressed their backing for Kenya's bid to secure a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council during the election scheduled for June 2020.
The assurance was given to President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi by Tanzania's Foreign Affairs Minister Palamagamba Kabudi and the President of Suriname Desire Delano Bouterse.
Mr. Kabudi, who was on a special envoy mission from President John Pombe Magufuli, stated that Tanzania has full confidence in Kenya's ability to represent the African continent in the UN Security Council.
"We have confidence in Kenya, that you will champion the African voice and will strongly advocate the continent's position in the UN body," Mr. Kabudi said.
During the meeting, the special envoy acknowledged Kenya's leading role in pushing for a united and progressive Africa.
On the maritime border dispute with Somalia, Mr. Kabudi stated that Tanzania supports Kenya's stance on pursuing an out-of-court settlement.
President Bouterse, who was in the country on a private visit, also assured President Kenyatta of his country's support for Kenya's UNSC bid.
The Suriname leader thanked President Kenyatta for his visionary leadership, describing Kenya as an emerging regional economic giant.
President Kenyatta welcomed the Suriname leader to the country and urged him to explore Kenya's hospitality, saying the visit was a vote of confidence for Kenya as a top tourist destination.
He thanked President Bouterse for Suriname's endorsement of Kenya's UNSC bid, stating that the seat was not just for Kenya but for all who share the same vision.
The two leaders also discussed the importance of the upcoming African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) conference to be held in Nairobi early next month.
President Kenyatta also received and held discussions with Hon. Awut Deng Acuil, a special envoy of President Salva Kiir of South Sudan, at State House, Nairobi.
Mr. Acuil briefed the President on the challenges faced by his country in implementing the 2018 peace agreement.
President Kenyatta reassured the special envoy of Kenya's commitment to supporting efforts towards the full implementation of the peace pact.
