Kenya to strengthen international partnerships

By Robert Mutasi 

Kenyan President William Ruto expressed the country's commitment to deepening her international relations, more so with Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, the Netherlands, and Senegal, in various high-level one-on-one diplomatic engagements during his visit to New York. 

In a statement shared on his verified social media accounts, Ruto hinted that Kenya was keen on consolidating bilateral and multilateral relations.

The former meetings were with the Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, wherein the leaders noted that the world should be on course to support Haiti's Multinational Security Support Mission. 

"We agreed to rally the international community to avail adequate resources for the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti," President Ruto wrote, adding Kenya is fully behind the mission.

He also pledged the Dominican Republic's support to the MSSM and commended the country for offering to provide medical evacuation resources, supplies, and more troops to help nurse peace and stability in Haiti.

Engagement with the Dominican Republic underpinned Kenya's wider approach of collaboration with states towards responding to global challenges by Ruto.

After meeting the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, Ruto said Kenya was committed to the pursuit of peace through international arrangements.

The head of state of Kenya also extended his interest in the budding ties between the country and the Netherlands.

He met Queen Máxima of the Netherlands and shared approaches to the implementation of accessible financial services in ways that reach the economically-disadvantaged populations of Kenya.

He added that this would have implications for economic growth and sustainable development in the country.

"We look forward to using our partnership with the Netherlands in enhancing financial access to marginalised communities," added Ruto, remarking that partnerships are key in achieving inclusive economic growth.

Ruto also stretched his diplomatic engagements to Senegal, where he discussed African continental issues with the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Among the high-profile features of discussions he held was Raila Odinga's candidature for the position of African Union Commission Chairperson to which Ruto expressed endorsement as an important step in advancing peace, development, and integration on the continent.