Wednesday, 5 March, 2025
Kenya, Denmark Foreign Relations Committees’ strengthen ties on Trade and Governance𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
The National Assembly Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Committee today held a high-level meeting with Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Danish Parliament.
The Committee, led by the Vice Chair, Hon. Bashir Abdullahi, engaged with Danish Members of Parliament serving the Foreign Committee. The two Committees' discussed key areas of partnership including trade, security, climate change, and governance.
"As part of our visit, we seek to build on Denmark's new Africa strategy. We seek to strengthen ties. Our relationship with Kenya is long-standing and very strong," stated Hon. Gunvor Wibroe, speaking on Denmark's commitment to enhancing collaboration with Kenya.
During the discussions, Hon. Yusuf Hassan pointed out the importance of fair trade agreements, noting that “Africa is open for business. Kenya wants to trade with the world on an equal footing, and our foreign policy seeks more balanced and equitable trade relationships.”
The meeting noted that Kenya and Denmark have enjoyed a long-standing economic partnership, with Kenya exporting flowers, tea, and coffee to Denmark while importing machinery and pharmaceuticals.
Hon. Mille Odhiambo noting that “Kenya has been a stable factor in Africa, and we wish to build on this strength in mutually beneficial partnerships.”
The meeting also discussed Denmark’s support for Kenya’s peacekeeping efforts. "Kenya and the African Union are part of a number of peace and security missions in the continent. We could seek the support of Denmark in this," Hon. Yusuf Hassan stated.
Legislators also called for reforms in the United Nations to enable Africa’s permanent representation in the UN Security Council.
The Committee called for greater African representation, calling for an expansion of the Security Council's membership to reflect the continent's growing influence. "As a country and indeed as the region of Africa, the UN Security Council needs to reform to include representation of the African continent," Hon. Bashir Abdullahi stated.
The two delegations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Kenya-Denmark ties, exploring new areas of collaboration in governance, education, and technology. The Danish legislators expressed optimism about building on Denmark’s new Africa strategy, emphasizing that Kenya remains a critical partner in East Africa.
Present during the meeting from the Danish Foreign Committee include, Hon. Gunvor Wibore, Hon. Astrid Krag, Hon. Karin Liltorp, Hon. Helle Bonnesen, Hon. Charlotte Munch, ms. Brirgitte Bergman, Mr. Karsten Honge, Hon. Jon Stephenson and Hon. Trine Pertou Mach