President William Ruto and Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday, October 6, reached an agreement that will allow Kenya to import wheat from Ethiopia.
According to a statement from State House, the importation of wheat from Ethiopia will help stabilize food prices in Kenya amid the recent high cost of food products.
The agreement was part of the bilateral talks held between President Ruto and Prime Minister Abiy during the former's visit to Addis Ababa.
“In its bid to stabilise food prices, the discussion further agreed that Kenya will import wheat from Ethiopia whose yields have increased substantially," the statement read in part.
The head of state further reiterated that Kenya and Ethiopia will work together in exploiting the economic potential between the two countries.
Ruto committed to enhancing the relationship between the two Eastern African countries and subsequently increasing cross-border trade.
“The Kenya-Ethiopia partnership is a cornerstone of our mutual benefit and regional stability,” Ruto stated in the meeting.
“I am confident that the excellent tradition of neighbourly synergy shall continue and flourish."
Earlier in the day, President William Ruto had presided over the official launch of telco giant, Safaricom, in Ethiopia. Ruto lauded the move in what he termed as a signal of matured African unity.
“This is an emphatic signal that the African Unity of our time has come of age, a continent united by opportunity, and a Pan-Africanism driven by trade," he stated.
In addition, the discussion between the two leaders addressed the ongoing conflict in Nothern Ethiopia. The security threats, Ruto stated, are detrimental to the development of the region. He, as such committed to working towards peaceful coexistence in the East African region.
“Insecurity and violence are threats to sustainable development. We must always work towards living peacefully,” noted Dr Ruto.
The meeting is part of Ruto's series of planned trips in the region. He is expected to tour Uganda before capping his bilateral engagement in Tanzania.
