President William Ruto has congratulated Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on his re-election for a second term, describing the new mandate as a vote of confidence in his leadership.
Ruto said Kenya was looking forward to working closely with Abiy’s administration to advance shared interests between the two countries and the wider region.
“Congratulations my brother, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, on your re-election to lead Ethiopia for a second term,” Ruto said in a message on Tuesday, October 6.
“Your new mandate by Ethiopia House of People’s Representatives is a vote of confidence in your leadership and vision you have for your country.”
Abiy was appointed Prime Minister by Ethiopia’s newly constituted House of Peoples’ Representatives on Monday, October 5, before taking the oath of office for another five-year term. The development followed Ethiopia’s June 1 general election and the opening of the country’s seventh parliamentary term.
Ruto wished Abiy success as he begins his new term, particularly in delivering his government’s transformation agenda.
“I wish you continued success as you lead Ethiopia to achieve its transformation agenda,” the President said.
He also reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to maintaining close relations with Ethiopia, citing shared interests between the two countries, the region and the wider international community.
“Kenya looks forward to continuing working closely with you to advance our shared interests for the mutual benefit of our peoples, our region and the wider global community,” Ruto said.
The message comes days after Ruto and Abiy met in Kenya during the launch of the construction of the Lamu oil refinery project.
During the October 1 event, Ruto thanked Ethiopia and Abiy for their support, describing the partnership between the two countries as important to Kenya and the wider region.
Abiy’s new term comes as Ethiopia begins a fresh five-year political and institutional cycle following the formation of its new Parliament.
The Ethiopian government has identified economic transformation, national development and stronger regional engagement among its priorities as Abiy begins his second term.
Ruto’s message signals Nairobi’s intention to maintain its engagement with Addis Ababa as the two countries pursue cooperation on matters of mutual interest.
