Slovenian President Nataša Musar lauds Kenya’s green efforts and multilateral stand in first Africa visit
The Head of State said her shared belief in multilateralism with President William Ruto had brought the two countries together.
Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar has praised Kenya’s commitment to global cooperation and environmental protection, saying the two countries share deep values and have room to grow stronger ties in diplomacy, technology, and development.
Speaking in Nairobi on Saturday ahead of Madaraka Day celebrations, Musar said she was honoured to make Kenya her first official visit to Africa since becoming president.
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“I was pleasantly surprised and honoured to receive the invitation to celebrate this national holiday with your people. “I am really looking forward to being in other parts of Kenya,” she said.
The Head of State said her shared belief in multilateralism with President William Ruto had brought the two countries together.
“We both believe in the United Nations, international law and humanitarian law. Slovenia and Kenya are going to cooperate on this multilateral forum, the only one we have,” Musar said.
She added that she and Ruto had discussed the conflicts in Africa, Europe and the Middle East, including the war between Russia and Ukraine and the crisis in Gaza.
“We have to be open in dialogue and strive to find solutions. This is your president’s wish and this is my wish,” the President stated.
Musar said her arrival in Kenya had already given her the chance to meet the environment minister and praised the government’s efforts in environmental protection.
“I know the environment is close to your heart. Your project to plant 15 billion trees, I can only applaud and say thank you. You are not doing it only for Kenya, but for the whole planet,” she added.
Going further, President Musar said she looks forward to seeing Kenya again at the COP30 climate conference in Brazil.
On economic ties, Musar said there is “a lot of space” for cooperation, and her delegation includes officials ready to explore more areas of partnership.
She said Slovenia is known for its expertise in artificial intelligence and has many professionals in the field.
“We have our own little Silicon Valley, like you do. Artificial intelligence, pharmaceutical, and agriculture are areas we can work together on,” Musar stated.
Musar said the two countries already collaborate through a Slovenian satellite project that helps monitor rivers and predict floods.
“It’s a tiny satellite, but it provides a lot of useful data. It is also used to monitor the river Ganges in India,” she said.
Musar also pointed to water diplomacy and innovation as other areas where both countries can learn from each other.
“Slovenian companies are trying to boost water efficiency in Kenya using our technologies. Innovation is always a door to progress,’ she said.
The President ended her remarks with a message of gratitude and excitement ahead of Madaraka Day.
“I didn’t expect to be invited as a speaker at your Madaraka Day. I feel privileged to be here and I hope to reveal the soul of the Slovenian people to your people,” she added.
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