This archive report was first published on 30 November 2019.
Kenya's bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council has received a boost with Tanzania and Suriname pledging their support. The assurances were delivered to President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi by Tanzania's Foreign Affairs Minister Palamagamba Kabudi and the President of Suriname Desire Delano Bouterse on November 30, 2019.
Mr Kabudi, who paid President Kenyatta a courtesy visit as a special envoy of President John Pombe Magufuli, expressed Tanzania's full confidence in Kenya's ability to represent the African continent in the 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,' said Mr Kabudi.
The two countries also expressed support for Kenya's stand on the maritime border dispute with Somalia, with Mr Kabudi stating that Tanzania supports Kenya's option of an out-of-court settlement.
President Bouterse, who is in the country on a private visit, also assured President Kenyatta of his country's support for Kenya's UNSC bid. The two leaders identified environmental conservation, blue economy, and the Big 4 Agenda priority sectors of health, manufacturing, food security, and housing as areas of mutual interest between Kenya and the South American nation.
