President William Ruto says there is a need for the international community to support Kenya, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU) in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Sudan.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi on Wednesday, May 3, during a meeting with Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the Head of State rallied the international community to support the peace efforts that threatened to tear apart Sudan.
"We further agreed to call for a cessation of hostilities immediately without pre-conditions, assure the safety of all civilians, including diplomatic and humanitarian personnel, and allow safe passage of humanitarian assistance and the safe movement of people seeking security," Ruto said in a joint press conference with the Japan PM.
At the same time, Ruto revealed that he discussed several developmental projects with Kishida, ranging from peace, security, climate change and held a mutual commitment to uphold a rules-based international order.
The president also added that Kenya supports Japan's aid for the implementation of the African Union's Agenda 2063.
"During our meeting, I conveyed to the Prime Minister my high regard for Japan's long standing bilateral partnership with Kenya in infrastructure development, trade and investment, the blue economy and human capital development just to mention a few," said Ruto.
On his part, the Japan PM expressed gratitude for the continued relationship between Nairobi and Tokyo committing to scaling up financial flows, expanding and reciprocating the mutual agreements between the two nations.
The meeting comes at a time when Kenya and Japan are marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and Nairobi playing host of the African Action Summit in September.
