Lukashenko: we will develop cooperation with Kenya following the example of other African countries — quickly and promptly
Belarus intends to develop cooperation with Kenya following the example of other African countries - quickly and efficiently. This was stated by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on December 9 during a meeting with the Speaker of the Senate of the Republic of Kenya Amazon 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 has great significance." In this regard, the President recalled his visit to Kenya, which took place in December 2023, and the negotiations with the President of that country William Ruto. "I remember my visit to Kenya very well. Please convey my best wishes to the President of Kenya. It seemed to me that 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 we can do something for you, we are ready to do it," he added.
Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that Kenya, along with other countries of the African continent, is already a well-known country for Belarus. He suggested acting more actively to sign a roadmap for cooperation (its draft is under consideration by the Kenyan side) and to develop a corresponding plan. "We need to develop a corresponding plan for our actions based on this roadmap. 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, where the head of state recently visited on an official trip. "Algeria is a huge country that is ready to cooperate with us with pleasure, and we already have concrete developments, specific contracts, not just intentions and memorandums," noted the President.
"In short, we are very interested in cooperating with your country. We already have experience (of cooperation with African countries. - Note by BELTA)," emphasized the Belarusian leader. "I believe that with Kenya, since there are good examples, we will cooperate as quickly and efficiently as with Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, and so on. In short, we are open to your country."
Trade and economic relations between Belarus and Kenya in recent years have been characterized by positive dynamics. The volume of mutual trade fluctuates between $7.2-13.6 million. It reached its highest figures in 2020 - $40.6 million. In 2024, the Belarusian-Kenyan trade turnover amounted to $13.6 million, increasing by 40% compared to 2023. The parties have already reached the same figure in the first ten months of this year (from January to October 2025). At the same time, Belarus imports much more from Kenya than it exports. This African country supplies cut flowers, fruits, and seeds for planting. Among the goods that Belarus supplies to Kenya are grain seeds, liquid crystal devices, and lasers.
The active formation of the legal framework between the two countries continues. Work is underway to create an intergovernmental joint commission for bilateral cooperation.