Kenya and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their longstanding relationship, highlighting the progress made through the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which has significantly strengthened their economic ties.
The agreement, according to President Ruto, permits Kenya a duty-free and quota-free access to the EU’s 450 million market, which paves way for new opportunities for Kenyan agricultural products.
President Ruto said this after holding talks with Antonio Costa, the European Union Council President, on the sidelines of the 7th African Union-European Summit held in Luanda, Angola.
Ruto further called on the European Union to support the Kenyan agenda of reforming the African Union (AU), with the aim of making it fit-for-purpose as Africa’s unified and responsive.
“We call on the EU to support our agenda of reforming the African Union so that it can be fit-for-purpose as Africa’s unified and effective voice”, President Ruto said.
“Europe’s experience and technical strength can help us build an AU that responds to the needs and aspirations of our people”, he added.
The two leaders also talked about the ongoing situation in Sudan, including loss of lives, humanitarian crisis and destruction of both public and private property and infrastructure. They reiterated the need for a credible process in order to ensure stability and restoration of hope to the people of Sudan.
“We agreed that Sudan needs an inclusive political settlement that brings in all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society and other national actors. A military path cannot deliver lasting peace”, the Head of State noted.
The meeting between the two leaders brought to light their mutual commitment to ensure full cooperation in trade, governance, peace and stability in the regions.
