JERUSALEM -- Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi arrived Sunday in Israel for a four-day official visit to discuss economic and cultural ties with Israeli leaders.
In a ceremony outside the Knesset, Israel's parliament, the African leader congratulated the Israeli government on its signing of the Declaration of Principles with the Palestine Liberation Organization in September, calling it a 'courageous act.'
'We are happy to be visiting your country at a time when a real opportunity for peace in the Middle East region is in sight,' Moi said.
President Ezer Weizman greeted Moi, calling him a leader of 'stout heart' and thanking him for his support of the peace process.
'The fact that you arrived at an interesting and almost crucial time in the negotiations for the fundamental future of the state of Israel is a proof of confidence to us that you are with us,' he said.
Israeli officials hope Moi will encourage other African nations to support negotiations for peace in the Middle East. Israel considers Kenya a cornerstone of its ties to Africa, while Nairobi is interested in Israel's technological and agricultural expertise as well as its close relations with Washington, D.C..
Moi was scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Yitzkah Rabin, Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, and attend a session of the Knesset. He will also tour the country and explore business and trade contacts.
Rabin met with the Kenyan president last October in Nairobi, where Moi reportedly expressed concern over Islamic fundamentalism in neighboring Sudan, a problem Israel shares due to fundamentalist opposition to the Middle East peace process.
'There have been very long and good relations between Israel and Kenya, even in times in which most of the African countries did not have diplomatic relations with Israel,' said Gad Ben-Ari, a spokesperson for the prime minister.
About 400 Israelis who work in Kenya are involved in construction of roads, buildings and waterworks as well as agricultural development, business and industry. Israel trains about 90 Kenyan technicians annually.
In 1992, Israel's exports to Kenya totaled a scant $25 million, while Kenya's reciprocal exports were only half that figure.
Kenya established diplomatic relations with Israel soon after gaining its independence in 1963, but severed ties in 1973 following the Yom Kippur War. However, discreet contacts continued, and following the 1976 Entebbe rescue operation in Uganda, Kenya allowed an Israeli Air Force plane to refuel in Nairobi on its way back to Israel. Kenya re- established official ties with Israel in 1988.
