07 December 2018
The Minister for External Relations, Senator Ian Gorst, will be making his second official visit to Kenya and Rwanda next week to strengthen the Island’s links with East Africa. Senator Gorst’s visit to Kenya is the culmination of several years’ work to develop a suite of international agreements, which will enhance Jersey’s relationship with Kenya.
During his visit, Senator Gorst will have a series of ministerial-level meetings with representatives of the Government of Kenya to discuss collaboration in tackling financial crime, regulatory cooperation, asset sharing and increasing cross-border trade and investment, including through expansion of Jersey’s treaty network.
The Minister will sign, on behalf of the Government of Jersey, the Framework for the Return of Assets from Corruption and Crime to Kenya (FRACCK) – a landmark international framework agreement for repatriating the proceeds of corruption seized overseas.
The FRACCK is led by the Government of Kenya and involves Switzerland, the UK and Jersey as founder partner jurisdictions.
Senator Gorst said: “This agreement represents a significant achievement that will assist in the confiscation and return of stolen assets to Kenya. It is hoped that this example of cooperation between the Government of Kenya alongside its partners in Switzerland, the UK, and Jersey, will act as a template for the broader international community.”
The Minister will also host a roundtable discussion with key figures from Kenya’s financial services industry and will promote Jersey’s reputation as transparent and well-regulated jurisdiction that is committed to increasing trade with Kenya.
In Rwanda, Senator Gorst will strengthen political contacts with Government Ministers and will discuss Rwanda’s plans for hosting the next Commonwealth Summit in 2020. Senator Gorst will offer Jersey’s support in the run-up to the event, including Jersey’s participation in the Commonwealth Business Forum.
Senator Gorst said: “Hosting the Commonwealth Summit in 2020 is a huge opportunity for Rwanda and is testament to the progress this country has made in recent years. I hope that Jersey can play a part in Rwanda’s success story in the run up to 2020.”
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