President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Kenyan President William Ruto at Ittihadiya Palace, where they discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations.
Following their meeting, expanded talks took place with delegations from both countries attending. During these talks, the two presidents signed a joint declaration elevating the relationship between Egypt and Kenya to a strategic and comprehensive partnership, according to Presidency Spokesman Mohammad El-Shennawi.
Moreover, the two leaders held a joint press conference, where President Sisi expressed his commitment, alongside his Kenyan counterpart, to continue strengthening political dialogue and coordination on key issues. These efforts will be pursued both regionally and within the framework of joint African initiatives of the African Union. This includes regional integration, promoting peace and security on the continent, implementing Agenda 2063 development goals, supporting institutional reforms, and advancing Africa’s priorities on the international stage.
In his statement, President Sisi emphasized that President Ruto’s visit provided an opportunity for fruitful discussions. He reaffirmed mutual efforts to enhance and expand bilateral relations, aiming to establish a strategic and comprehensive partnership, which will pave the way for increased co-operation across a wide range of sectors, including defence, security, counterterrorism, water resources, culture, education, and the exchange of expertise and capacity-building.
President Sisi stressed the importance of strengthening economic, trade, and investment ties between Cairo and Nairobi, specifically by supporting the presence of Egyptian companies in the Kenyan market. This co-operation is particularly crucial in sectors of mutual interest, including infrastructure, health, agriculture, and irrigation — areas where Egyptian companies have a competitive edge and significant expertise. Additionally, President Sisi highlighted the continued joint efforts for capacity building in Kenya across various fields.
President Sisi said that discussions also covered the latest developments in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
Both leaders acknowledged the serious security threats facing the Red Sea, which could escalate conflict and undermine the crucial role of the littoral states in managing their own affairs. The president pointed out that this situation is directly linked to the Israeli aggression in Gaza, which remains a major factor in these security challenges.
Following the discussions and the press conference, President Sisi and President Ruto attended the signing of several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) across various sectors.
Meanwhile, Kenyan President Ruto commended President Sisi’s leadership and efforts in managing the situation in Gaza and other conflict areas. He expressed his country’s full support for these efforts, particularly in promoting peace, security, and humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
During the joint press conference, President Ruto also reiterated Kenya’s support for the two-state solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, underscoring Kenya’s commitment to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2728, which calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
Source: The Egyptian Gazette
