Kenya, DRC sign security, trade and transport deals

Kenya, DRC sign security, trade and transport deals
Kenya has signed crucial agreements on transport, security and trade with the Democratic Republic of Congo, signalling a push to improve low figures of business between them.
After a bilateral meeting between Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta and his host Felix Tshisekedi, the two sides on Wednesday signed a new deal to handle cargo from the port of Mombasa that grants the DRC certain privileges for using Kenyan facilities.
Kenya also offered to open diplomatic outposts in Goma and Lubumbashi in eastern DRC in what President Kenyatta said would ease consular services for traders.
The Agreement on Maritime Freight Management, revised from earlier arrangements, will be the basic legal framework in handling all freight cargo coming through Mombasa destined for the DRC.
President Kenyatta told a joint press conference that Nairobi is seeking to bring the region “closer so that we can fight our common problems together.”
“As we move towards deeper integration not only of our region but continent, we should be able to ease the restrictions in terms of visas and other issues and I look forward to engaging with you so that we can make it easier,” the President, who is on a three-day state visit to the DRC, said.
The Head of State also witnessed the signing of a defence cooperation agreement that covers policing, war on terrorism, maritime and aviation security as well as immigration.
The deal should see structured cooperation on counter-terrorism, weapon smuggling, regularised immigration, customs control and cyber security.

Edited by Olajumoke Adeleke