Ruto, US hold talks on security and bilateral cooperation

President William Ruto is in Japan to attend the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development. [PCS]

President William Ruto has held talks with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio on a wide range of issues touching on bilateral, regional, and global security.

According to the Head of State, the two leaders agreed on the need to support a resolution at the United Nations Security Council that would establish a UN support office for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti. 

The mission is aimed at stabilising and securing the Caribbean nation.

Ruto further noted that discussions touched on the ongoing East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) intervention in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to regional peace and sustainable security.

On bilateral relations, President Ruto and Secretary Rubio underscored the importance of strengthening ties between Kenya and the United States, pledging to deepen cooperation for the mutual benefit of their citizens.

Ruto, who on Tuesday evening arrived in Yokohama, Japan, is set to attend the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).

Ruto is accompanied by Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and is keen to consolidate Kenya-Japan relations through expanded trade, investment, and development cooperation.

Arrived in Yokohama City, Japan, for the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). At the meeting beginning Wednesday, we will advance the prime position of Kenya as the gateway to our region and the entire continent.

Kenya has many opportunities for… pic.twitter.com/dSEDTDhyQH — William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) August 19, 2025

Areas of discussion to include the expansion of Mombasa Port, Mombasa Port Area Road Development, Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, and the Nairobi urban transport system upgrades.

At TICAD 9, the President will call for deeper African integration and connectivity and removal of trade barriers, emphasising the African Continental Free Trade Area as a driver of inclusive growth.
  
He will also hold bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and later attend a reception at Imperial Palace hosted by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.