The Presidents of Kenya and Egypt, Mr. William Ruto and Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, have signed a Joint Declaration for a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership. This development comes during the State Visit of Kenya’s President to Egypt. President El-Sisi received President Ruto at the Ittihadiya Palace, where an official ceremony took place, that included a military band playing the national anthems of both the countries and inspecting of the guard of honour. This is the first-ever State Visit by a Kenyan President to Egypt.
In a joint press conference, President El-Sisi stated “The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, reflecting the importance and depth of the historical relations and ties between Egypt and Kenya, at both the official and popular levels”.
With the signing of Joint Declaration, the two leaders elevated their relationship to a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership that led to the signing of 12 agreements, thereby expanding cooperation in sectors such as trade, investment, education & research, technological advances, political consultations, diplomatic training in capacity-building in foreign service and investment cooperation, gender equality, and maritime partnerships among others.
During the discussion that followed, the leaders also emphasized the significance of strengthening economic ties and investment cooperation between countries and reinforce political dialogue and coordination on priority issues at the regional level or with regards to the joint African action plan under the umbrella of the African Union. The plan would specifically focus in the areas of regional integration, promotion of regional peace and security, implementation of the 2063 Development agenda, institutional reform, and advancing African priorities on the international agenda. Furthermore, President Ruto also called on the need for a Joint Business Council to enhance bilateral ties and explore new trade and investment opportunities in sectors of mutual interest. He stated “Kenya and Egypt have long collaborated in the promotion of peace and security in Africa. Our Defence Cooperation Agreement has seen over 70 Kenya Defence Forces officers undergo training in Egyptian military facilities, reinforcing our shared commitment to regional security”.
The leaders recognised that the meeting was indeed a great opportunity to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries; reinforcing their shared vision for economic transformation and sustainable development with the potential to produce economic prosperity for the people of the two countries’.
