Your Excellency
The Prime Minister and Mrs Satsiratsai,
Honourable Ministers,
Your Excellencies, the Ambassadors,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Mr. Prime Minister, I am happy to be in your beautiful country following your kind invitation. Your government and the people of Thailand have received me, and my delegation most warmly. I have no doubt that this visit will leave lasting memories in our minds.

Thailand is famous for being the cultural capital of Southeast Asia. This has enabled the country to attract millions of visitors. I commend the Thai people for preserving their invaluable cultural heritage, and maintaining it for posterity. The Thai cultural heritage is a unique identity of an ancient nation. It is reflected by the delicious cuisine, which I have gladly enjoyed since my arrival yesterday, and friendliness of the Thai people.

Mr. Prime Minister,

Changes occasioned by globalization have created both opportunities and challenges. There are new opportunities for trade and investment. But the hope of quickly accessing new markets, and the anticipated rapid inflow of foreign direct investments are yet to be fully realized.

The critical challenge confronting Kenya, and most other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa in the 21st century is to increase economic growth, create employment and reduce the high levels of poverty. In this regard, my government is implementing broad economic reforms to revitalize our economy through increased investments.

Kenya's strategic position in the region provides investors with access to not only the East African Community market, but also to the larger Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). The COMESA free trade area has a population of about 400 million people. By investing in Kenya, investors have full access to this huge market.

Both Kenya and Thailand are important tourist destinations. The two countries enjoy favourable weather and have sound infrastructure for tourism. Our collaboration in this area should focus on training of personnel, exchange of educational visits by travel agents, and joint tourism ventures.

I am happy to note that our bilateral ties have been further boosted by the three weekly direct flights from Nairobi to Bangkok by Kenya Airways. This is a successful venture. The Airline is planning to increase the number of flights per week to four by December this year. This is an important step that will add value to our friendship and business partnership. I also hope that we will soon have a reciprocal arrangement by your own national airline to make direct flights to Nairobi.

Mr. Prime Minister,

Last night I had the opportunity to meet representatives of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the local business community as a whole. I informed them that Thailand is known worldwide for its great achievements in information and communications technology, and the fact that there are great opportunities for investment in this area in my own country. Today, I also visited the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology to see for myself the developments that your government has initiated and is implementing in this area. I am convinced that our two countries can have mutual benefit if we co-operate in this sector.

Mr. Prime Minister,

Kenya commends Thailand for having produced the first Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Mr. Supachai. I hope that through him, Thailand will be in a better position to influence relevant World Trade Organization programmes to strengthen the trade institutions in the developing countries and promote equitable trade among nations. Kenya appreciates the co-operation with your government at the international level. In this regard, I have taken note of Thailand's request for support for the candidature of His Excellency Dr. Surakiart to the post of U.N. Secretary-General in the year 2006.

Kenya proposes support on reciprocal basis, for her candidate to the position of the Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in June, 2005. We also look forward to Thailand's continued support for the United Nations offices based in Nairobi.

Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

May I now request you to be upstanding and join me in a toast to the good health of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, to the warm and friendly relations between Kenya and Thailand and to the prosperity of the people of Thailand.
Thank you.