Kenya’s new president vows boosting economic ties with Ethiopia

By Agence de Presse Africaine Last updated Oct 8, 2022

Ruto made the remark during his first visit to Ethiopia as President of Kenya on Thursday in his discussion with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, according to the PM Office. The two leaders expressed their strong desire to strengthen collaboration between Ethiopia and Kenya, the Office said. Kenya commissioned the $3 billion port last year, aiming to attract cargo…

APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) Kenya’s new president William Ruto said his country is keen on exploiting its long-standing relations and proximity with neighboring Ethiopia to boost economic ties.

Ruto made the remark during his first visit to Ethiopia as President of Kenya on Thursday in his discussion with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, according to the PM Office.

Following a warm welcome at Addis Ababa airport, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the visiting President Kenya held talks on issues of mutual interest.

The two leaders expressed their strong desire to strengthen collaboration between Ethiopia and Kenya, the Office said.

President Ruto said he will work closely with Ahmed to reconfigure the two countries’ priorities for socio-economic prosperity of their people.

“Kenya-Ethiopia partnership is a cornerstone of our mutual benefit and regional stability,” noted President Ruto.

President Ruto also urged Prime Minister Abiy to make use of the Lamu Port as the home port for the Southern part of Ethiopia.

Kenya commissioned the $3 billion port last year, aiming to attract cargo destined for its landlocked neighbors, South Sudan and Ethiopia.

Kenya is already building roads towards the two countries from Lamu.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed lauded the strong relation between his country and neighboring Kenya, according to the office.

“The relation is established on strong foundations and cordial cooperation focused on matters of mutual interest,” the PM said in a tweet.

From the Ethiopian side, a 500-kilometer road linking with Kenya was officially opened for traffic at the end of 2020 and authorities expect it to become vital outlets for Ethiopia to use the Lamu Port.

Both leaders also attended the event to the official launch of Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia at Addis Ababa’s Friendship Park.

MG/abj/APA