Foreign relations of Kenya

Kenya

This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Kenya

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Kenya maintains a neutral profile in global politics. It has excellent relations with China, India, Russia and Brazil. Its relations with Western countries are generally friendly, although current political and economic instabilities are often blamed on Western activities (e.g. colonialism, paternalistic engagement and post-colonial resource exploitation).

Kenya has maintained good relations with its northern neighbours - despite internal tensions in Sudan and Ethiopia. Recent relations with Uganda and Tanzania have improved greatly as the three countries work for mutual economic benefit.

Kenya serves as a major host for refugees from Somalia and Sudan and currently has troops in three United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Neighbouring countries

Ethiopia

• Warm relations between the two countries date to 1954 when Ethiopia established an Honorary Consulate General in Kenya. In 1961, Ethiopia appointed its first Ambassador to Kenya and six years later Kenya opened an Embassy in Addis Ababa.
• The border between the two countries is based on a treaty signed by Ethiopia and Kenya on June 9, 1970 which determines the present-day boundary, abrogating all previous boundary treaties. This boundary has been subjected to demarcation.
• As of 2007 Kenya shelters 16,428 refugees from Ethiopia.

Somalia

The relations between the two states became very tensioned with the start of a war, known as the Shifta War. After the overthrow of Siad Barre and his regime, Somalia's government grew very weak and lacked cohesion, since then normal contact started with Kenya. Kenya also serves as the major host for refugees from turmoil in Somalia.

Uganda

Main article: Kenya–Uganda relations

From 1961 to 1965 the two states, along with Tanzania, were united in the East African Common Services Organization, a common market with a loose federal structure.

Americas

United States

Main article: Kenya – United States relations

After Kenya's independence on December 12, 1963, the United States immediately recognized the new nation and moved to establish diplomatic relations. The embassy in Nairobi was established December 12, 1963—Kenya’s independence day—with Laurence C. Vass as chargé d'affaires ad interim pending the appointment of an ambassador.

Canada

Main article: Canada–Kenya relations

• Canada has a high commission in Nairobi.
• The High Commission of Kenya in Ottawa is located in the Sandy Hill neighbourhood in the capital.

Asia

People's Republic of China

Main article: People's Republic of China – Kenya relations

Chinese-Kenyan relations date back to 14 December 1963, two days after the formal establishment of Kenyan independence, when China became the fourth country to open an embassy in Nairobi. Military exchange between the two countries has been increasing in the past decade. General Liu Jingsong, commander of the Lanzhou Military Region, led China's first military delegation to Kenya in December 1996; Major General Nick Leshan, commander of the Kenyan air force, paid a return visit in 1997. Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki visited Beijing in August 2005.

India

India has a High Commission in Nairobi. Many Indians have made Kenya their home.

Pakistan

Main article: Kenya–Pakistan relations

Relations between Pakistan and Kenya were established in the 60's, when Pakistan expressed its support for Kenya in getting independence from British rule. Ever since from that time, relations between the two nations have been warm, with both countries having had discussed previously in the Pakistan-Kenya Joint Ministerial Commission session which was hosted in Nairobi in 2004, about boosting bilateral trade and economic relations.

Europe

Denmark

Main article: Denmark-Kenya relations

Finland

See Foreign relations of Finland

Greece

Main article: Greek-Kenyan relations

• Greece has an Embassy in Nairobi and an Honorary Consulate in Mombasa.
• Kenya is represented in Greece through its Consulate in Athens Greece and through its Embassy in Rome, Italy.

Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Kenya
Consulate of the Republic of Kenya in Hellenic Republic

Russia

Main article: Kenya–Russia relations

• Russia has an Embassy in Nairobi.
• Kenya is represented in Russia through its Embassy in Moscow.

Turkey

Turkey has an embassy in Nairobi but Kenya does not have an embassy in Turkey. The Embassy of Kenya in Rome is accredited to Turkey.

United Kingdom

Kenya, like much of Africa, was once part of the British Empire. In 1952, the present Queen, Elizabeth II, ascended to the throne whilst visiting Kenya on her and the Duke of Edinburgh's tour of the British Empire and Commonwealth. Since independence was granted in 1963 relations have been usually amicable, both being part of the Commonwealth of Nations, a successor to the empire which aims to promote mutual co-operation, democracy and other cultural values and ties with each member state. Each country maintains a High Commission in the other's capitals, and the United Kingdom has an Honorary Consulate in Mombasa.

Middle East / Persian Gulf

Israel

Main article: Israel–Kenya relations

• Israel has an embassy in Nairobi.
• Kenya has an embassy in Tel Aviv.

Iran

Iran has an embassy in Kenya and Kenya has an embassy in Tehran.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Embassy is located in Nairobi's Muthaiga Area.

See also

• List of diplomatic missions of Kenya
• List of diplomatic missions in Kenya

External links

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Permanent Mission of Kenya to the United Nations
• United States Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya

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•  This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Department of State (Background Notes).