Kenya is set to fortify its economic relations with Russia to expand trade volumes, according to President William Ruto.
Despite the vast potential, trade between the nations remains comparatively low, necessitating a new trade agreement to stimulate commercial activity, the president added.
The two leaders, meeting at State House in Nairobi, concurred on the urgency to reform the United Nations Security Council to make it more representative and responsive to the needs of the 21st century.
President Ruto advocated for Africa’s representation on the Council, the UN’s highest decision-making organ, highlighting the continent’s capacity to offer valuable ideas and experiences.
“Kenya and Africa count on friends like Russia in the creation of a new architecture at the Council,” President Ruto said, referring to Russia’s status as a permanent member of the UN Security Council alongside the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and China.
In discussing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the President reiterated Kenya’s unwavering position on respecting territorial integrity as outlined in the UN Charter. He urged a resolution respectful to both parties involved in the conflict.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, on his way to a BRICs Ministers of Foreign and International Relations meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, celebrated the six-decade-long friendship between Russia and Kenya.
He acknowledged the momentum gained in Russia’s relationship with the continent following the 2019 Russia-Africa Summit and noted the growing scientific cooperation between the two nations.
As Kenya and Russia prepare to strengthen their trade ties, the world will watch with interest to see how this partnership shapes the economic and political landscape in the coming years.
The pending trade pact could indeed serve as the much-needed catalyst for more robust bilateral trade.
GlobalTradeTimes