Kenya and Yemen have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with trade and investment, maritime and regional security, people-to-people ties and multilateral cooperation identified as key areas for deeper engagement.

Ambassador Lindsay Kiptiness, Deputy Director-General, Middle East Directorate, State Department for Foreign Affairs, held talks with Abdulsalam Alawi Ahmed Al-Awadhi, Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Yemen to Kenya, in Nairobi, where they reviewed bilateral relations and opportunities to expand cooperation.

The discussions highlighted the longstanding historical, cultural and commercial ties between Kenya and Yemen, including the presence of Kenyan and Yemeni communities in both countries.

Regional peace and security featured prominently, with the officials exchanging views on developments in Yemen and their implications for stability in the Middle East, the Horn of Africa and the wider Red Sea region.

Kiptiness underscored the importance of peace and stability in Yemen to Kenya’s security and economic interests, noting Yemen’s significance as a market for Kenyan tea and other agricultural products.

“Peace and stability in Yemen are important to Kenya’s security and economic interests. Kenya supports efforts towards lasting peace and stability,” said Kiptiness.

Al-Awadhi highlighted what he described as an evolving humanitarian and security situation in Yemen, following renewed fighting between the Houthi movement and Yemeni government forces.

He called for continued support from Kenya and the international community for diplomatic efforts towards lasting peace.

“Yemen values its longstanding relations with Kenya and welcomes continued support for diplomatic efforts towards lasting peace,” said Al-Awadhi.

The two officials underscored the interconnectedness of security in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa, noting that further escalation in Yemen could have wider security and socio-economic consequences for the Red Sea region and international peace and security.

They stressed the importance of strengthened multilateral efforts to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict and promote stability across the region.

The meeting also explored opportunities to expand trade and investment, strengthen people-to-people ties and deepen cooperation through multilateral fora, reinforcing the shared commitment to advancing Kenya-Yemen relations, while supporting peace, stability and development in Yemen and the wider region.

By Hassan Adan Ali