“We don’t have a problem with it”
In a conversation with RIA Novosti, Benson Ogutu responded to Josep Borrell’s remark that Africans might struggle with geography.
“This is Borrell’s view. As Kenya’s ambassador, I can confirm that our ties with Russia have grown steadily since Kenya gained independence 59 years ago. We know where Russia is and we have no issues locating it,” the Kenyan diplomat emphasized.
Ogutu also described the evolution of cooperation between Russia and Kenya. He identified the main Kenyan exports to Russia as tea, coffee, flowers, vegetables and avocados.
“Russia is a major buyer of our tea, ranking fifth after Pakistan, Egypt, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. Russians appreciate our tea, and we are widening the range of ingredients. Coffee is also popular. We see opportunities to grow both exports and imports, including grain, fertilizer and metal products from Russia,” he stated.
The diplomat noted that the bilateral trade value stands at about 400 million dollars, with Russia delivering five times more goods than Kenya. He expressed a goal to expand both directions of trade exponentially. One hurdle to deeper trade is the absence of direct flights, cargo or passenger, between the two countries. He said negotiations are underway with Russian authorities and airliners to sign a suitable agreement to establish direct connections.
The ambassador added that Kenya invites the private sector to collaborate closely with Russian partners. He recalled a memorandum of understanding signed between Kenyan and Russian business representatives at the first Russia-Africa summit in 2019.
Ogutu acknowledged some current challenges in logistics and banking but noted that Kenyan businesses are eager to enter the Russian market and explore new opportunities. He also highlighted Kenya’s access to the sea and its potential as a strategic gateway for Russian trade into the African continent.
“Who is President Vladimir Putin”
On December 8, European diplomacy chief Josep Borrell told the European Parliament that he doubted the sincerity of Africans who joined demonstrations in support of Russia. He warned that many African residents might not know where Donbass is or who President Vladimir Putin is.
Putin responded on December 9 at a press conference after the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting. He described Borrell as a major figure of our time and a political leader akin to past prominent European figures, noting that such commentary reflects a complex dynamic in international dialogue.
According to Putin, Africans are familiar with Russia and its role in the continent’s decolonization. He asserted that no African country would be left without Russia’s support across political, informational, economic and sometimes military domains. Relations with African nations are solid, cordial and productive, he affirmed.
Putin argued that if Europe truly understood Africa’s geographic and human realities, it would resist blocking the supply of food and fertilizer from Russia to African states. He also criticized European leaders for not advancing direct assistance to African communities and maintaining a stance that could hinder progress for millions facing hunger.
He commented that fertilizer shipments to Africa are still limited, pointing to ports in Europe as potential routes that have not been fully activated. He suggested that such constraints stem from political pressure rather than technical barriers, and he called on European policymakers to shift focus toward tangible support for African development.