Ruto holds talks with Netherlands King at the Hague

By Peter Ochieng 

President William Ruto on Monday held talks with Netherlands King, Willem Alexander, with the two leaders discussing a ray of issues centered on economic benefit.

The meeting took place at the King's Palace, in the Hague.

The City hosts the International Criminal Court (ICC), where Ruto initially faced charges linked to the 2007 post election violence.

Charges against him, former President Uhuru Kenyatta and journalist Joshua Arap Sang were however dropped over lack of sufficient evidence.

Ruto said Kenya values the cordial relations it enjoys with the Netherlands.

"Kenya enjoys a solid relationship with the Netherlands. It is our intention to strengthen this relationship further, particularly through trade where we see more opportunities for horticultural products, tea and coffee, fruits, and fish," said the President.

"Kenya will also work with the Netherlands to move forward our agenda for green growth and wildlife conservation," he added.

On the other hand, King Alexander said his country will continue to support Kenya's efforts to develop arid and semi-arid lands, rural domestic water supply and sanitation, health, urban development and agricultural research.

President Ruto and King Alexander discussed the climate change challenge, Kenya’s agenda for green growth and wildlife conservation.

Ruto went to Netherlands after witnessing the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in United Kingdom (UK) over the weekend.