South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday, November 11, triggered a light moment during the Kenya- South Africa High-Level Summit when he narrated President William Ruto’s sales skills.
Ramaphosa who was addressing delegates at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) stated that Ruto tried to sell him Kenyan agricultural products including tea and coffee.
“President Ruto is an excellent salesman, all morning, he has been trying to sell me Kenyan tea, coffee, and avocado. As you see me, I’m full of Kenyan tea," Ramaphosa stated to the applauding audience.
In addition, the South African President marvelled at the confidence exhibited by President Ruto during the discussions that led to the deal allowing Kenyans to visit Africa for 90 days without visas.
He expressed his confidence in Ruto's ability to steer the country forward with regard to enhancing the relationships between the two countries.
"President Ruto looks very fit, I don’t know if he was a boxer, he was able to twist my arm and we were able to agree on the new dispensation that we are introducing," he noted.
“President Ruto is action-oriented and we have ministers on both sides who are determined to improve the relationship between South Africa and Kenya."
Ramaphosa affirmed his intention to address the trade imbalance in the partnership between the two countries. He noted that his government was committed to ensuring that the relationship between the two countries was mutual.
"When we talk about trade, it is not just one way, it’s not only for South Africa to sell. I want to see Kenyan tea and coffee in South Africa as well," he noted.
On his part, President William Ruto urged both countries to strive towards eliminating trade barriers.
He argued that free trade between Kenya and South Africa would guarantee an expanded market for commerce in both countries.
"Why would we ban South African meat from coming to Kenya and vice versa? We have a huge opportunity in our housing sector and want to invite South African companies to come and work with us," Ruto told the delegates.
The trade forum was part of President Ramphosa's two-day State Visit to Kenya.
