Kenyan President William Ruto has hailed the robust diplomatic ties between Kenya and Guinea Bissau during a State visit by his Guinea Bissau counterpart, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, at State House, Nairobi.
Ruto underscored the deep bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations, calling the visit a testament to their commitment to mutual progress. “We have just concluded highly productive bilateral discussions with my dear brother, during which we reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening and advancing the excellent relations that exist between our countries,” Ruto said.
The discussions were marked by a spirit of mutual respect and a shared vision for prosperity. Both leaders emphasized the importance of continuous and open dialogue to address mutual interests and develop solutions aligned with their aspirations.
A key highlight of the visit was the exploration of opportunities to bolster trade and investment between the two countries. President Ruto noted the immense potential within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing it as a critical platform for driving economic growth and sustainable development for both nations.
“Our engagements have provided a valuable opportunity to explore avenues for enhancing trade and investment, leveraging AfCFTA to expand economic opportunities for our people,” he added.
On the continental stage, Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to advancing African Union (AU) institutional reforms. As the AU’s designated Champion for Institutional Reforms, Ruto emphasized the importance of keeping the Union’s institutions effective and responsive to Africa’s evolving needs.
He also expressed gratitude for Guinea Bissau’s endorsement of Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position for the 2025-2028 term, asserting that the candidate would offer visionary leadership to prioritize member states’ needs.
In peace and security matters, the leaders reiterated their shared dedication to promoting stability across the continent. Ruto praised Guinea Bissau’s contributions to peacekeeping efforts and voiced concern over conflicts in Sudan and Eastern DRC. Both leaders called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution to ongoing crises.
The visit underscored the importance of regional collaboration and strengthened ties between Kenya and Guinea Bissau, with both nations committed to fostering development, peace, and unity in Africa.
