Despite stiff competition from China, the European Union remains one of EA’s principal trading partners. The EastAfrican’s Jeff Otieno, spoke to the outgoing EU ambassador to Kenya on this unique relationship.

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You have served as the European Union Ambassador to Kenya for the past four years. What has been your biggest achievement in Kenya and the East African Community?

I was particularly happy to deliver the Christmas gift of duty free exports to Ksh200 billion of Kenyan exports. That was a great result for Kenyan business and Kenyan jobs. I am really pleased that we are in the final stage of concluding the Economic Partnership Agreement.

READ: Kenyan flowers to enter EU market duty-free

We can now get on with growing the trade links, and we are keen to see the Kenya growing its value-added exports, such as light manufacturing, textiles and leather, and food processing.

What would you consider were the lows of your tenure?

There is no doubt that the ICC cases, and perceptions of how proceedings in the Court were connected to us, was a real challenge. It tested the strength of our relationship. If you remember, we were the ones who were for a local judicial solution to the post-election violence. However, once we were able to get past the rhetoric and rumour, it was clear that the Europe-Kenya partnership was built to last.

READ: ICC: Are Kenya’s allies ready to abandon their strategic interests?

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We have so many connections and shared interests with Kenya – benefits that help Kenya and us. There are the big trade and investment ties but also much more. For me, it is deeply gratifying to see strength and depth return to our partnership.

Europe and some African countries have indeed been at loggerheads over the International Criminal Court. While Europe views it as an important court for fighting impunity, African leaders regard it as furthering neo-colonialism. How can a middle ground be achieved?

The EU does not support neo-colonialism. It does actively support an increasingly equal partnership with all countries in Africa — a partnership demonstrated at last year’s Africa-Europe summit. International law applies around the globe and helps agreements and relationships to be forged. The ICC is an international institution that is voluntary in nature and applies equally to all signatories.

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Kenya has changed since 2007/8 and people have had to move on. But I ask myself: Is forgetting really a form of justice anywhere, and is it the same as forgiving?

Our own healing in Europe in the wake of two World Wars still continues, and led to the unifying principles of the EU. Kenya’s own healing will take time, but needs to happen for the country to develop as a prosperous, unified nation.

How would you describe the relationship between the EU and the EAC? Is it strengthening or weakening?

The European Union started its trading relationship with Kenya in the 1960s. Since then it has stood the test of time and, I would say, is uniquely broad and deep. Not only is Europe the single biggest purchaser of Kenyan goods, it is also the largest development partner, and co-operates on security, humanitarian, private sector and investment, cultural and other matters.

I believe Kenya’s partnership with Europe to be stronger than it has been in many years. Today, I see a partnership where we give respect and show we are listening, and I am grateful that President Uhuru Kenyatta recognised our deep partnership and broad range of shared interests.

We have been partners for such a long time. Our successful journey will continue as the peoples, businesses and governments of Europe and Kenya embrace opportunities and move forward together.

The EAC member states are in the process of establishing a monetary union. Based on the EU’s experience, what should they embrace and what should they be cautious about?

The European Union’s journey so far has been gradual, beginning in the wake of the Second World War. I am only an observer to what is happening around integration but I would say that a monetary union has to involve very strong political and economic ties.

There is concern that the EU and the US are losing out to China in Africa because of the West’s rigid trade policies and numerous demands. What is your comment?

I am excited to see all Kenya’s links with the world grow. The more opportunities for job creation and business, the better. Competition, be it with China or America, is good and Kenya will benefit from looking East, as well as West.

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Europe’s trading ties with Kenya are particularly strong. No other partner provides Kenya’s goods free access to such a large and profitable marketplace. We agree trade policies together, which support investment, job creation and growth.

We are proud of the ideals that underpin Europe. And many of those values are shared round the world. All Kenyans, like all Europeans, want to be able to send their children to school and make sure their families are protected from crises.

I would say there is a great opportunity for us — whether we are Kenyan, European, Chinese or Indian — to look forward together and to build a safer, more prosperous world for all.

Why is developing marginalised areas in Africa an important goal for the EU?

Our own history in Europe and the process of building the EU taught us that when you grow marginalised areas, you grow economic opportunity across the nation, and long-term stability as well. We cannot afford to leave any people, countries or communities behind.

We are more effective when we tackle today’s common issues —such as climate change and terrorism — together. I think our growing inter-connectedness means that people are more concerned by issues affecting other people’s lives. Altruism isn’t a fashionable word these days but it is a reality. And so people in Europe want to give where they can.