Ruto seeks to strengthen strategic partnership with EU
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Taarifa
Kenyan President William Ruto says he wants to turn relations with the European Union into a comprehensive strategic partnership, particularly in trade, investment and security. He notes that the EU absorbs 21% of Kenyan exports and recalls its €20 million support for Kenyan forces, according to Taarifa.
Kenyan President William Ruto has proposed elevating relations between Kenya and the European Union to a comprehensive strategic partnership based on multilateralism, international law, democratic governance and sustainable development, according to Taarifa. The discussions are taking place as Nairobi and the EU mark 50 years of diplomatic relations.
William Ruto said the European Union accounts for 21% of Kenya’s global exports and is its leading external market, according to Taarifa. He also called for the economic partnership agreement to be turned into new trade and investment opportunities, particularly for small-scale producers, and welcomed European support for African Union-led missions in Somalia as well as the contribution of €20 million for Kenya’s defence forces. This European aid was announced on 12 November.
