Mudavadi meets Finnish president month after Kenya’s visit
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, has held a meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Finland.
In a statement on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Mudavadi revealed that the discussions focused on the shifting security landscape in Africa, with a particular lens on developments in the Horn of Africa.
Specifically, Mudavadi noted that their engagement was focused on how to sustain momentum behind Somalia’s peacebuilding process.
“Our conversation focused on the shifting security landscape in Africa, with a particular lens on developments in the Horn of Africa. We underscored the critical need to sustain international momentum behind Somalia’s peacebuilding process, especially in light of the ongoing ATMIS drawdown and heightened regional sensitivities,” read the statement.
Furthermore, he revealed that they reaffirmed their shared commitment to multilateralism, championing African-led solutions and stronger regional frameworks, including the EAC, SADC, and IGAD, as the foundation for lasting peace.
“We also explored the value of leveraging the expertise of eminent persons to advance dialogue and stability. I welcomed President Stubb’s assurance of Europe’s continued support for Africa’s regional bodies as they pursue lasting peace and security on the continent.”
President Stubb’s Kenyan visit
This comes a month after President Stubb, accompanied by his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb, arrived in Kenya for a three-day state visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
It was the first-ever presidential visit from Finland to Kenya and the first state visit between the two countries in 38 years, following the visit by former Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi to Finland in 1987.
President Stubb was received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on May 12, 2025, by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, alongside Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’Oei, and senior diplomats, including Finland’s Ambassador to Kenya Pirkka Tapiola and Kenya’s Ambassador to Finland Angeline Musili.
The Finnish delegation included Members of Parliament Saara-Sofia Sirén and Inka Hopsu, who are chair and vice-chair, respectively, of Finland’s parliamentary friendship and global issues groups.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that the visit underlined 60 years of diplomatic cooperation between Kenya and Finland, which established formal relations in 1965 following Finland’s recognition of Kenya’s independence in 1963.
The official programme commenced with a ceremonial welcome at State House, Nairobi, followed by bilateral talks between Presidents Stubb and Ruto.
Discussions centered on expanding cooperation in education, sustainable development, gender equality, and renewable energy, as well as addressing global challenges affecting Africa and Europe.
