President William Ruto left the country for Antananarivo, Madagascar, on an official visit where he will attend the country’s 66th Independence Day celebrations and hold bilateral talks aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations.
In a statement, the Head of State noted that he would join Madagascar in commemorating its Independence Day celebrations at the Barea Stadium.
Ruto stated that Kenya and Madagascar share a common history in their struggle against colonial rule, saying the shared experience continues to shape the two countries’ commitment to sovereignty, unity and closer cooperation.
President Ruto in Madagascar. Photo: Courtesy.
He also congratulated the people of Madagascar on marking 66 years of independence, describing the anniversary as a celebration of the country’s achievements and its continued pursuit of economic growth, prosperity and national development.
The President said Kenya and Madagascar have enjoyed cordial diplomatic relations over the years and reaffirmed his commitment to deepening cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
During the visit, Ruto is expected to hold discussions with Madagascar’s leadership on several bilateral agreements, with a focus on trade, commerce and investment.
The two countries would also seek to strengthen maritime cooperation, improve regional connectivity and harness opportunities presented by the Indian Ocean to expand trade and economic collaboration.
President Ruto in Madagascar. Photo: Courtesy.
The President is accompanied by Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe.
The three Cabinet Secretaries are also expected to participate in a Kenya–Madagascar Business Forum aimed at promoting commercial partnerships between the two countries.
The visit comes just weeks after President Ruto travelled to France for the Group of Seven (G7) Summit, where he urged Western nations to pursue a more equitable partnership with African countries based on mutual benefit and shared prosperity rather than exploitation.
