A recent airspace agreement signed by the United States and Kenya marks a big step toward opening up business partnerships between the nations.

The pact, signed by Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga and senior U.S. officials in Washington, enables airlines to fly directly between the two nations.

It will initially apply to Kenya Airways — the only airline in the African nation with the capacity to fly trans-Atlantic flights — and Delta Airlines, which has announced plans to fly directly to Nairobi next year.

The "open skies" agreement, which will enable travelers to fly between the nations within 24 hours, is expected to benefit Kenya's tourism, horticulture and business sectors. The U. S. will gain better access to Kenyan markets, which include cut flowers and other perishable products.

The airspace agreement and a recent commitment of additional U.S. aid to Kenya is a sign that ties between the two nations remain strong.

U.S. support should help Kenya recover from post-election violence that left more than 1,000 persons dead and more than 350,000 displaced at the beginning of this year.