Spanish lessons for Kenyans as part of Colombia ties drive
In a strategic move to bolster the diplomatic ties between Kenya and Colombia, the Kenyan government has expressed a strong interest in learning Spanish.
This initiative comes in the wake of a meeting between Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his Colombian counterpart Francia Elena Marquez Mina.
Deputy President Gachagua emphasized the importance of fostering closer cooperation between the two nations.
Recognizing the potential for enhanced bilateral relations, the Kenyan government has identified language as a key factor in strengthening cultural and economic ties.
“on Bilateral Relations, Kenya wishes to enhance co-operation with Colombia in a number of fields, such as training in Spanish, education-scholarships, healthcare, culture, knowledge sharing, south-south cooperation and engagements in the multilateral arena,”Said DP Gachagua.
The VP’s visit follows a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations signed by the two countries in 2021 whose main objective is enhancing the partnership and engagements existing between them.
This language learning initiative also aims to pave the way for increased trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. As Kenya continues to position itself as a regional economic powerhouse, proficiency in Spanish will serve as a valuable asset for Kenyan entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking to tap into the Latin American market.
The Deputy President emphasized the government’s dedication to enhancing bilateral trade and investment cooperation between Kenya and Colombia, saying their primary objective is to achieve this by giving priority to economic and commercial initiatives while encouraging business interactions across diverse sectors, such as MSMEs, the private sector, and business management organizations.
“In our Political Consultations, we have thoroughly discussed the importance of establishing direct flights connecting the two nations. Such a development would serve as a catalyst for trade, investment, and fostering people-to-people contacts,” Said DP Gachagua.
The bilateral talks between the two heads of government covered discussions regarding enhancing trade relations between their respective countries. One potential measure discussed was the introduction of direct chartered flights from Kenya to Colombia, which would facilitate trade and investment opportunities.
The two leaders also oversaw the signing of two memoranda of understanding on the Joint Commission for Cooperation and also enhancing gender equality and women empowerment.
The deputy president further revealed that discussions are currently underway to finalize an MOU on sports cooperation, along with six other declarations. These include a Declaration of Intent to promote the Spanish language and a Declaration of Intent on Sustainable Trade and Investment, among others.
“Your Government’s assistance through provision of technical support in health, the use of bamboo as an affordable housing material, cooperation in Technical, Vocational and Education & Training, Culture and most importantly Technical Cooperation in the coffee sector will go a long way in enabling Kenya attain her development aspirations,” Said the DP
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