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{
    "id": 16102,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/16102/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 629,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Keynan",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 41,
        "legal_name": "Adan Wehliye Keynan",
        "slug": "adan-keynan"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I will also be very brief because we talked a lot about this particular Report last week. We also discussed the same in camera last week on Wednesday when the Prime Minister came to brief Parliament on the evolving security situation along the Kenya-Somali border. The emphasis on our foreign policy as a country today is anchored on economic diplomacy. Economic diplomacy is the only pillar of our diplomacy that can contribute immensely to the social, economic, cultural and political development of the Republic of Kenya. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, in the past and in particular during the Cold War, emphasis on diplomatic representation was on political representation. Since the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the Soviet Union, many countries have redrafted their foreign policies to emphasize on economic diplomacy. As a country, our emphasis on economic diplomacy must inculcate concepts like regional economic groupings. To that extent, since today Uganda which is our next door neighbour remains our most important trading partner, it is in our interest that we strengthen our diplomatic engagements and activities around this region, so that we benefit from the ever-growing trade interest among these nations. This country occupies a unique position in east, central and southern Africa. If you look at the facilities we have as a country in terms of infrastructure, communication technology and humanitarian facilities, it is unique. Because of that unique role we play, it is high time that those who are tasked with propagating our foreign policy took cognizance of the fact that those days when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was just a propaganda wing of one institution, is long gone. This Ministry’s policies must project, promote and protect the unity of the country. In trying to articulate the image of Kenya, those policies must reflect the aspirations of the 40 million Kenyans. This is the only way we can have an accountable institution. This is the only way, truly, we can have a Ministry and a mission that represents the interests of Kenya."
}