29 April 2011
Nairobi — Prime Minister Raila Odinga has held talks with Zimbabwe President Mr Robert Mugabe in Harare.
Mr Odinga arrived in the Zimbabwe capital Friday on his way to the city of Bulawayo, where he is to open the third National Conference of the Movement for Democratic Change.
He arrived at State House, Harare for a courtesy call on President Mugabe shortly before 1pm Kenya time, accompanied by four Members of Parliament and one Orange Democratic Movement Secretariat official.
President Mugabe warmly welcomed Mr Odinga at State House where they held talks that ran for more than an hour.
Talks between the two leaders focused on the similarities in the history of Kenya and Zimbabwe, the struggle for the liberation of Africa, the continent’s place in world politics, reforms in the two countries and global affairs, touching on international trade and events in North Africa and the Middle East.
During the talks, Mr Odinga conveyed greetings from President Kibaki to President Mugabe.
President Mugabe showed strong interest in political developments in Kenya, particularly the unveiling of the new constitution and said Zimbabwe looked up to Kenya for a model in reforming the constitution.
He said Zimbabwe has always learnt from Kenya, from the liberation struggle to date, adding that he spent years studying the history of the Mau Mau war for independence.
President Mugabe invited Mr Odinga to extend his stay in the country.
Mr Odinga said Kenya and Zimbabwe have links imposed by history and should work together towards reforms.
The PM promised that Kenya would donate a book on constitution-making process to Zimbabwe to guide the Southern African nation in its own quest for constitutional reforms.
Mr Odinga said the Kenyan process was extremely consultative and open and the country would be keen to share its experience with the people of Zimbabwe.
The Prime Minister left Harare shortly after 2 pm Kenya time and is currently in Bulawayo for the MDC Congress.
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Odinga Holds Talks With Mugabe