Belarus intends to develop cooperation with Kenya following the example of other African countries – swiftly and efficiently. This was stated by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on December 9 at a meeting with the Speaker of the Senate of the Republic of Kenya, Amason Jeffa Kingi, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
Welcoming the foreign guest, the Head of State noted at the beginning of the meeting: "It is good that you have come. People's diplomacy at the highest level always holds great significance." In this regard, the President recalled his visit to Kenya in December 2023 and his negotiations with the President of that country, William Ruto. "I remember my visit to Kenya very well. Please convey my warmest regards to the President of Kenya. As it seemed to me, he is a very kind and decent person. Although it was a short visit, I remember even the details," said the Belarusian leader.
"I promised the President: if there is anything we can do for you, we are ready to do it," he added.
Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that Kenya, along with other states of the African continent, is already a well-known country for Belarus. He proposed to act more actively to sign a roadmap for cooperation (its draft is under consideration by the Kenyan side) and to develop a corresponding plan. "Based on this roadmap, we need to develop a relevant plan of our actions. That is, to update the roadmap taking into account the needs of both states. When there is a plan, there are responsible people for the implementation of certain points and directions, then there will be results," said the Head of State.
Moreover, Belarus already has positive examples of developing relations with African countries. A very recent example is Algeria, which the Head of State visited on an official visit not long ago. "Algeria is a huge country that is ready to cooperate with us with pleasure, and we already have concrete developments, concrete contracts, not just intentions or memorandums," noted the President.
"In short, we are very interested in cooperation with your country. We already have experience (cooperation with African countries. – BELTA’s note)," emphasized the Belarusian leader. "I think that with Kenya, given the good examples, we will cooperate just as efficiently and swiftly as with Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, and so on. In short, we are open to your country."
The trade and economic relations between Belarus and Kenya have been characterised by positive dynamics in recent years. The volume of mutual trade fluctuates between $7.2-13.6 million. The highest figures were reached in 2020, amounting to $40.6 million. In 2024, Belarusian-Kenyan trade turnover stood at $13.6 million, an increase of 40% compared to 2023. The parties have already reached the same indicator in ten months of this year (in January - October 2025). At the same time, Belarus imports significantly more from Kenya than it exports. Cut flowers, fruits, and seeds for sowing are imported from this African country. Among the goods supplied by Belarus to Kenya are cereal grains, liquid crystal devices, and lasers.
The active formation of the treaty and legal framework between the two countries continues. Work is underway to establish an intergovernmental joint commission for bilateral cooperation.