President Mwai Kibaki at State House, Nairobi Wednesday received credentials from eleven newly posted envoys in the country.  

The envoys are from Finland, Benin, Tunisia, Czech Republic, Belgium, Sri Lanka, Iran, Israel, Netherlands and the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

During the ceremony President Kibaki urged the diplomats to feel free to tour various parts of the country to sample the hospitality of Kenyan people as well to visit world renowned historical and tourist attraction sites.  

The Head of State noted that his government was committed to the improvement of infrastructure in all parts of the country and assured them of reliable road network and security in the country.  

He also assured them of government support to facilitate their success while in their tour of duty in the country.  

Presenting her papers H.E. Mrs Anna Brita Sofie of Finland said her country will continue to support Kenya's efforts in resolving various regional conflicts.

She particularly lauded President Kibaki's commitment to ensuring sustainable solutions to recurring droughts in the horn of Africa citing  the recent regional Conference on drought in the horn of Africa region.

The envoy said that Finland shared Kenya's concern and commitment to end the Somali conflict, the general insecurity and resultant humanitarian crisis within the horn of Africa.  

Mrs Brita Sofie expressed concern that  Kenya was bearing the brunt of the crisis by hosting many Somali refugees who are afflicted by the current drought and insecurity in the horn of Africa.  

The ambassador noted that Kenya and Finland enjoyed a long history of cooperation in various fields of common interest.

She further said that her country was keen to partner with Kenya in the successful implementation of the new constitution as well as building capacity in critical social sectors such as rural development, provision of clean water and promotion of good governance.

On his part the Benin Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Mr. Ferdinand Montoncho thanked President Kibaki for his leadership in the East African Community region.  

The Tunisian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Mokhtar Chaouachi appreciated President Kibaki's leadership adding that his example was being recognized across the African continent.  

Other diplomats who presented their papers during the brief ceremony included H.E. Mr. Burt Ouvry of Belgium, H.E. Mr. Wahidur Rahman of Bangladesh, H.E. Mr T. Raveethiran of Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Malek Hossein Givzad of Iran and H.E. Mr Gil Haskel of Israel.  

Others included Ambassadors Reintjes Theodorus Antonius of the Kingdom of Netherlands and Marek Libricky of Czech Republic.  

In attendance were Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Thuita Mwangi, State House Comptroller Dr Nelson Githinji and other senior government officials.