President William Ruto held talks with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on a variety of issues of mutual concern for both countries.
In a statement on Monday, January 27, he outlined the key topics discussed during the telephone conversation, which centered around strengthening bilateral ties, regional security, and international peacekeeping efforts.
“I have had a telephone conversation with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on a variety of issues of mutual concern for our two countries. We discussed the need to conclude the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) agreement that seeks to increase investment, promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth by unlocking the existing economic opportunities,” he said.
Ruto also noted that they discussed the ongoing United Nations-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti and matters of regional security including the conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
“We also discussed the United Nations-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti and agreed on a joint strategy to ensure the mission serves its purpose.
“On regional peace and security, Secretary Rubio praised Kenya’s efforts to promote regional stability. We discussed the situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and the support needed from the United States of America,” he added.
According to Ruto, their conversation also touched on the security situation in Sudan, South Sudan, and Somalia, where he provided updates on the evolving circumstances.
“I updated Secretary Rubio on the security situation in Sudan, South Sudan, and Somalia. I am glad that the US has committed to continue to deploy its capabilities to support Kenya’s peace mission in the region,” he concluded.
This comes a day after Ruto, as the Chair of the East African Community (EAC), called for an immediate ceasefire in the Eastern DRC citing an escalating humanitarian crisis.
Ruto noted that the ongoing military actions have worsened the crisis, including the closure of airspace in Goma which has impeded access to facilitate humanitarian access to affected populations.
He therefore convened an emergency EAC Summit set to be held on Wednesday due to the dire situation to deliberate on a way forward.
The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have quickly gained ground this month in DRC conflict-riven eastern borderlands and launched an assault on Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, earlier this week.
Meanwhile, the US, France and Britain on Sunday condemned what they said was Rwanda’s backing of the rebel advance. Kigali has long denied supporting M23.
Ruto has also met AU leaders and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron over the escalating crisis in the DRC.
