Kenyan leader meets with Zuma on South Africa visit

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - South Africa’s president and his visiting Kenyan counterpart Thursday held talks to deepen bilateral relations between their countries.

‘‘We also had an opportunity to discuss regional issues such as peace and security,’’ Kenya’s Uhuru Kenyatta told a televised briefing in the coastal city of Durban after meeting with Jacob Zuma.

Zuma said they had discussed a great deal, including last year’s tumultuous elections in Kenya. He said the Kenyan leader will return to the country later in the year for a state visit.

Kenyatta said he hopes to conclude many mutual agreements during the planed state visit.

This is Kenyatta’s first working visit to South Africa since his starting his second term as president on Nov. 28, after two separate polls, in July and October.

In an earlier statement, Zuma’s office said: ‘‘South Africa and Kenya enjoy very warm bilateral relations underpinned by strong historical and political bonds.’’

The statement added that South Africa is a strategic partner of Kenya in many areas, particularly trade and security.

Several South African companies operate in Kenya in sectors such as banking, pharmaceuticals, retail, tourism, and engineering, among others.

Kenyatta, who is on three-day visit to the country, is expected to meet with Cyril Ramaphosa, the newly elected president of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), and the business community.

He will also attend the ANC’s 106th anniversary celebrations in East London on Saturday.