President William Ruto left on Sunday night, November 19th, 2023,set to leave the country for an overseas official trip in Germany and France.
The trip to Europe will take two days, and according to a communique from State House, the visit is expected to strengthen ties between Kenya and the two European countries as well as the European Union.
“President William Ruto embarks on an official visit to Germany and France from November 20–21, 2023, focused on bolstering economic ties with Germany, France, and the EU, while advocating for strong global consensus on climate action ahead of COP 28.
“In Berlin, Germany, President Ruto will join other leaders at the Compact with Africa (CwA) high-level conference initiated by Germany during its tenure as Chair of the G20,” the communique read.
In his trip to Germany, Ruto is expected to sell Kenya as a viable investment destination.
“The President will showcase Kenya as a leading investment destination in the region.
“Make a case for strengthening economic ties between the EU and the East African Community, advance discussions on labor mobility with Germany, and consolidate Germany-Kenya cooperation on green energy initiatives, including in the production of green hydrogen, rehabilitation of Olkaria geothermal fields, and grid stabilization,” it added.
He is expected to address the European Parliament while in France, where he will address climate change, peace, and democracy, among other issues.
“In Strasbourg, France, the Head of State will address the EU Parliament, the 705-member-strong legislative and policy organ of the European Union.
“He will emphasise Kenya’s role as the peace and democracy anchor of the region, expound on the country’s vision for climate action in light of the African leaders Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change, and elaborate on the economic impact of deepening trade relations between Kenya and the EU that culminates in the signing and implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement this December,” the statement continued.
Ruto is set to meet his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, and will also hold a bilateral meeting with Roberta Metsola, who is the president of the EU Parliament.
The president’s visit to Europe comes five days after he jetted back from a trip to Saudi Arabia.
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