President William Ruto, on Wednesday, September 4, held brief meetings with six African heads of state who are among those in China for the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing.
During the separate meeting, President Ruto and the said presidents discussed how their countries can enhance their collaboration in trade, agriculture and ICT, among other sectors of the economy.
Ruto also took the opportunity to drum up support for Raila Odinga in his African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship bid in the elections slated for February 2025.
First, Ruto held a meeting with Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame.
"Met President @PaulKagame of Rwanda in Beijing, China, and deliberated on deepening our relations and also the candidature of the Rt Hon. @RailaOdinga for the position of the African Union Commission chairperson," said Ruto.President Ruto then met President Ummaro Sissoco of Guinea-Bissau.
"Kenya values its close ties with Guinea-Bissau that are founded on shared values. We are exploiting the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement to enhance trade between our two countries for the benefit of our peoples," Ruto said.Later, Ruto met President Faure Essozimna of Togo and President Colonel Assimi Goita of Mali with the same message of collaboration and Raila’s AUC bid.
Ruto also met Mahamat Idriss Deby of Chad.
"Kenya and Chad are exploring areas of cooperation to enhance our diplomatic relations in areas of mutual interest, including trade, regional security and climate action," said Ruto.Finally, Ruto met Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia.
"We have a rich history with Zambia that dates back many decades. Our ties have brought immense benefits to our two nations. We will continue to enhance our collaboration in trade, agriculture and ICT as members of COMESA," said Ruto.
