PH and Kenya Sign MOU to Boost Cultural Cooperation

Hon. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs, and Hon. Peninah Malonza, Kenyan Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage signed the MOU on Cooperation in the Fields of Arts and Culture on 22 February 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya. 

NAIROBI 23 February 2023 – The Philippines and Kenya signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote cooperation in culture and the arts on 22 February 2023 in Nairobi.

The MOU was signed by Philippine Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs of the  Department of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa B. Lazaro and Kenyan Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage Peninah Malonza, on the occasion of the inaugural meeting of the Philippines-Kenya Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC).

Under the MOU on Cooperation in the Fields of Arts and Culture, the two countries will collaborate in promoting cultural exchanges, including on the preservation of cultural heritage, joint programs between cultural and education institutions, and exchanges in the fields of arts, film, museum, linguistics, and records and archives management, among other areas.

“Through the MOU, the Philippines hopes to have a more structured and sustained cooperation and exchanges with Kenya as we build greater awareness and understanding between our peoples,” said Undersecretary Lazaro.

The MOU underscores the renewed commitment of both countries to strengthen their ties and foster mutual understanding and appreciation of each other's cultures.

“The signing of the MOU marks an important milestone in the bilateral relations between Kenya and the Philippines. The MOU presents wide ranging areas of cooperation that will elevate the relations of the two countries,” remarked Minister Malonza.

Minister Malonzo came to the signing accompanied by members of Kenya’s whole tourism sector, which demonstrates the value accorded by the Kenyan side in concluding the agreement.

The Philippines’ National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), under its newly appointed head, Chairperson Victorino Mapa Manalo, and Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage will be the lead agencies in implementing the areas of cooperation identified in the MOU.

The Philippines and Kenya established diplomatic relations in 1967. END