Kenya and the Republic of Korea have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, information and communication technology (ICT), energy, and agriculture following a meeting between President William Ruto and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France.
President Ruto said the discussions focused on Kenya and South Korea agreement to set up the permanent offices of the Export, Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Nairobi, being the two institutions responsible for investment, infrastructure development, and cooperation.
The leaders also discussed on ways of boosting trade and increasing Kenyan goods such as tea and coffee in the international market.
Korean President expressed the desire that both countries work towards the substantial advancement of their cooperation, leading to the creation of more jobs, mainly for Kenyan teachers inclined towards working in Korean schools.
However, Kenya and South Korea signed the Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Certificates for Seafarers, pointing out that it will translate into the creation of more job opportunities for the maritime professionals in Kenya who will now get easily employed in the global shipping industry.
According to President Ruto, this is a move that will lead to better recognition of the qualifications of Kenyan seafarers in South Korea and open doors to Kenyan workers in the maritime sector.
Trade relations between Kenya and South Korea are expanding constantly. Their areas of cooperation include infrastructure financing, trade promotion, technology transfer, and skills development.