President William Ruto on Saturday made a phone call to his United Arab Emirates (UAE) counterpart Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss the partnership between the two countries.
As reported by different media outlets, Ruto lauded the UAE President for the initiatives he had put in place to support Kenyans and boost the country toward progress and sustainable development.
Additionally, President Ruto emphasised that Kenya was committed to enhancing and strengthening its relations with the UAE and expanding cooperation in various fields.
The Heads of State delved into different opportunities that signal development for both nations. They were focused on achieving a sustainable and thriving economy for their citizens.
Some of the areas of discussion included; renewable energy, technology, economy, trade, and infrastructure.
UAE's Al Nahyan explained on the importance of strengthening relations with African states. This includes; supporting all efforts to achieve development, stability, and peace.
He emphasised that this would benefit all Africans. Ruto has in the past explained that Kenya and the UAE's partnership aims to increase the country's exports from the current Ksh34.6 billion.
Notably, the UAE was among foreign nations which came to Kenya's aid when the country was faced with devastating floods that claimed lives and displaced hundreds of Kenyans.
The UAE on May 2 sent about 80 tonnes of relief food to assist flood victims in Kenya.
In December last year during the 28th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP 28), the two leaders met where Ruto reiterated that Kenya and the UAE had long-standing relations.
"Kenya and the United Arab Emirates enjoy long-standing relations founded in history and rich cultural ties. Through these associations-couples with Dubai's strategic location in the globe as the commercial and trading hub, we aim at establishing a more robust trade connection that will expand the value of our country's exports," Ruto remarked.
Earlier this year, President Ruto after facing a barrage of criticism for chartering a private plane for his official visit to the US, later claimed that the UAE govt offered him the plane owing to cordial relations.
However, the statement issued by State House spokesperson Hussein Mohammed did very little to assure Kenyans that this position was actually true.
