President William Ruto says Kenya is keen to deepen its trade relations with Rwanda as part of efforts to diversify its products.
He praised the cordial relations between the two countries, saying it was for the mutual benefit of the citizens.
President Ruto said Kenya and Rwanda share values and aspirations in various sectors, including political, socio-economic, cultural and diplomatic exchanges.
"Rwanda remains key of strategic importance to Kenya as a springboard to Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and the wider Great Lakes Region," he said.
Ruto urged Rwanda to take advantage of the more efficient port of Mombasa for import and export business, which allows cargo owners the option to collect goods at the Naivasha Inland Container Depot. This, Ruto, said would save on time and costs, thus boost trade and benefit the citizens of the two countries. President Ruto spoke at a press conference with his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame, in Kigali, during his two-days state visit.
The President, at the same time, said 10 MoUs between the two countries have been finalised and some signed.
He said the memoranda focused on education, ICT, gender and child development, youth, capacity development for public service, correctional services, health, diplomatic training, agriculture and cooperatives.
During the meeting, smemoranda on diplomatic training, education, ICT, gender and affirmative action were signed.
President Ruto assured of Kenya's commitment to working with Rwanda in championing the ideals of the East Africa Community and the African Union.
Agenda 2063
He expressed confidence that this will go a long way in advancing peace and security, trade and investment and the implementation of Agenda 2063, among others.
On technology and mobile telephony, President Ruto announced that Kenya and Rwanda have signed and ratified the One Area Network.
"The time has come for us to advocate, champion and encourage member states to embrace the One Area Network so as enhance communication and trade in our region," said Ruto. Ruto expressed concern that insecurity challenges facing some countries in Africa were slowing down development efforts.
"Our region currently faces tremendous and complicated peace and security crises. Ethiopia still struggles with the Tigray crisis, while the conflict in Eastern DRC remains unresolved," he said.
Ruto said there was need to deepen and sustain dialogue and take advantage of the existing regional and continental mechanisms to address challenges facing the continent.
"We must desire and solve our differences and to entrench peace and security as the foundation of the stability that guarantees sustainable development and shared prosperity," he said.
He invited Kagame to the 5th Mid-Year Africa Union Coordination Meeting to be held between July 13 and 16 in Nairobi. Kagame said Rwanda and Kenya will continue to collaborate in areas aimed at improving the lives of their citizens.
newsdesk@standardmedia.co.ke
