According to Mutizwa-Mangiza, Kenya has emerged as an economic and political powerhouse in East Africa and is increasingly playing a more prominent role on the continental and global stage.
SA President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening relations with Kenya, describing the partnership as longstanding, cordial and mutually beneficial ahead of a visit by Kenyan President William Ruto.
In a statement issued before the visit scheduled on Thursday, Ramaphosa said SA regards Kenya as a strategic partner in East Africa and across the continent, underscoring the importance of cooperation between two of Africa’s leading economies.
The visit comes amid speculation over tensions between Pretoria and Nairobi following Ruto’s absence from a recent G20 meeting hosted by SA and Ramaphosa’s decision not to attend the Africa-France Summit held in Kenya.
Mutizwa-Mangiza said Kenya’s growing influence is reflected through participation in international affairs, including peacekeeping operations and positions taken on major global issues.
Mutizwa-Mangiza described the relationship between SA and Kenya as increasingly strategic, with Pretoria recognising Nairobi’s rising importance in Africa.
Addressing speculation over tensions between the two countries, Mutizwa-Mangiza said differences in foreign policy positions and recent diplomatic developments have contributed to public perceptions of strained relations.
Mutizwa-Mangiza pointed to reports surrounding invitations to international gatherings, including the G20 and Africa-France Summit, as factors that have fuelled speculation.
However, Mutizwa-Mangiza said the relationship should be viewed within the broader context of differing geopolitical alignments.
According to Mutizwa-Mangiza, Kenya has historically maintained close ties with Western countries, while SA has generally pursued a more independent foreign policy approach that seeks engagement with both Western and Eastern partners.
Mutizwa-Mangiza also noted differences in the two countries’ approaches to international issues, including relations with Israel and responses to conflicts in the Middle East.
Despite these differences, Mutizwa-Mangiza said the relationship between Pretoria and Nairobi remains important for regional cooperation, trade and continental development.
–ChannelAfrica–
