Ruto Heads to Germany and Belgium for Energy, Trade Deals

Ruto jets out
President Wiliam Ruto alights from his jet after landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, Kenya.
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President William Ruto will leave the country on Sunday, March 26, on a working tour to Belgium and Germany.

According to the State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the President will be in the two European Union nations for four days.

“Renewable energy, green industrialization and trade will be Ruto’s agenda in his foreign visit,” Hussein announced.

President William Ruto at State House Nairobi on March 15, 2023
President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on March 15, 2023
Photo/PCS

In what will be a fully packed itinerary, the President will meet President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Kenya and Germany in Berlin.

After meeting the two leaders, the President will also deliver a keynote speech in the German capital.

“Ruto will deliver a keynote address at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, outlining the challenges of energy security amidst the worsening climate crisis and the push for renewable energy investments in Kenya and Africa.

“Kenya will also explore a partnership with Germany on the youth agenda, specifically in vocational education and training,” the statement from State House read in part.

In Belgium, the President will look at key areas of partnership that will enhance food security and economic stability in the country.

“In Brussels, the President will meet Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of Belgium and discuss mutual areas of interest including, health, addressing Kenya's food security and drought response, climate action, trade and investment,” Hussein announced.

According to the State House Spokesperson, the President will also engage the larger European Union.

“The President will engage with the leadership of the European Union, including, Charles Michel, President of the European Union Council and H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission,” his itinerary shows.

On what will be discussed during his meeting with EU leaders, Mohammed stated, “His meeting will reinforce Kenya's commitment to the Kenya - EU Strategic Dialogue, to deepen the partnership between Kenya and the European Union, under the three key pillars of Peace, Security and Stability; Sustainable and Inclusive Development; and, Economy, Trade and Investment.”

The President’s four-day foreign visit will coincide with Azimio’s planned countrywide mass action.

Azimio will be holding protests in Nairobi and other parts of the country on Monday, March 27, at a time when the President will be in Berlin.

President William Ruto, DP Rigathi Gachagua and UK Ambassador Jane Marriott signing of the Condolence Book for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the UK High Commissioner’s Residence, Muthaiga, Nairobi.
President William Ruto, DP Rigathi Gachagua, and former UK Ambassador Jane Marriott sign the Condolence Book for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the UK High Commissioner’s Residence, Muthaiga on Wednesday, September 14, 2022.
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