New Envoys

Mwai Kibaki on Monday received credentials from six diplomats accredited to the country by various countries around the world.

The new envoys are from the Republics of Uganda, Philippines, Germany, Serbia, Sweden and Austria.

The first to present her credentials was Angelina Chogo Wapakabulo, High Commissioner-Designate of the Republic of Uganda. The President noted that Kenya and Uganda enjoyed longstanding and cordial relations dating back to pre-colonial times.

The High Commissioner affirmed that she was committed to strengthening the existing ties in the spirit of the East African Community.

Ambassador-Designate Domingo D. Lucenario of the Republic of Philippines pledged to further cement the existing bilateral ties between the two countries.

Mr Lucenario noted that the two countries have enjoyed cordial bilateral ties for a period of over 30 years and promised to explore new ways of expanding the relations with regard to economic, political and cultural opportunities which are of benefit to citizens of both nations.

Also to present her credentials was Margit Hellwig-Boette, Ambassador-Designate of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Others who presented their credentials were Zdravko Bisic (the Republic of Serbia), Ann Dismorr (Sweden) and Christian Hasenbiehler (Austria).

President Kibaki encouraged the newly posted envoys to sample the friendliness and generosity of Kenyans as well as to visit various internationally renowned tourist-attraction sites in the country.

The President affirmed that the country was firmly on the pathway to prosperity as evidenced by the successful construction and rehabilitation of vital infrastructure network across the country.

The Head of State noted that Kenya was strategically placed as gateway to not only the East African region and the Great Lakes region but also the Horn of Africa.

He called on the diplomats to strive to expand and promote the existing bilateral ties between Kenya and their countries to the highest spheres possible.