By Dorothy Musyoka
Kenya and Turkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties and advancing peace and security across East Africa.
In a meeting held at the Railways office with H.E. Ambassador Subutay Yuksel, the two nations explored opportunities to enhance collaboration in trade, defense, agriculture, and peacebuilding.
Both countries play key roles in regional stability, with active engagements in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan, and South Sudan.
Recognizing the importance of structured diplomatic engagement, Kenya and Türkiye agreed to revive the Kenya-Türkiye Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC), which was last signed in 2016.
The discussions also focused on fast-tracking agreements on double taxation and establishing a free trade area, paving the way for increased economic partnerships.
“We also agreed to revive the Kenya-Türkiye Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC), last signed in 2016, and fast-track agreements on double taxation and a free trade area, CS Mudavadi said.
Türkiye expressed a strong interest in expanding its investments in Kenya, strengthening trade relations, and increasing connectivity between the two nations.
Plans are underway to increase flights between Ankara and Nairobi, with the potential resumption of direct flights to Mombasa, enhancing tourism and business exchanges.
“Türkiye is eager to boost investments in Kenya, increase flights between Ankara and Nairobi, and resume routes to Mombasa,” noted Foreign and Diaspora CS Mudavadi.
In a significant diplomatic gesture, Ambassador Yuksel extended an invitation to H.E. President William Ruto and the Kenyan delegation to attend the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF2025) on April 11–12. Themed “Reclaiming Diplomacy in a Fragmented World,” the forum will serve as a critical platform for global peacebuilding discussions, aligning with Kenya’s ongoing efforts in regional mediation and conflict resolution.
Kenya and Turkiye continue to build on their strong partnership, underscoring the importance of diplomacy, economic cooperation, and shared commitments to regional and global stability.