Prime cabinet secretary and cabinet secretary for foreign & diaspora affairs Musalia Mudavadi./FILE
Kenya has welcomed the announcement of a peace agreement between the United States and Iran, saying the development offers hope for de-escalation in the Middle East and relief for economies affected by the conflict.
In a statement issued on Monday, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi said Kenya warmly welcomed the agreement, which provides for the permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.
The government also noted the planned official signing ceremony scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland and commended the diplomatic efforts that led to the agreement.
"Kenya has long stood as a steadfast advocate for peace, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes through multilateral institutions and the community of nations," the statement said.
The government said it believes sustainable solutions to complex global challenges can only be achieved through inclusive diplomacy, respect for international law and collective action by the international community.
According to the statement, the agreement offers hope for the de-escalation of tensions, the reopening of vital maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and broader stability in the Middle East.
Kenya said these outcomes would benefit global energy security, trade and the lives of millions affected by conflict.
The government congratulated all parties involved for choosing negotiations over confrontation.
"Kenya congratulates all parties involved on choosing the path of negotiation over further confrontation," the statement said.
As a country committed to multilateralism, Kenya reaffirmed its support for the principles of the United Nations Charter and the role of regional organisations in promoting dialogue and cooperation.
The government further urged all stakeholders to uphold their commitments and work towards trust-building measures to ensure the gains of the agreement translate into lasting peace.
Kenya also said the agreement comes as a significant relief to many African countries that have borne economic strain resulting from the conflict.
According to the statement, disruptions to global energy markets and supply chains, rising fuel and commodity prices and inflationary pressures have exacerbated economic vulnerabilities across the continent.
"The de-escalation offers a timely opportunity to ease these burdens and support recovery," the statement said.
Kenya reiterated its readiness to support broader efforts aimed at promoting stability, economic cooperation and mutual understanding among nations.
"Peace is not merely the absence of war, but the
presence of fairness, dialogue and shared opportunities," the statement
added.
