President's Diary: Ruto resumes international travels with China summit attendance
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| President William Ruto and China President Xi Jinping |
President William Ruto's diary for the week was marked by a second international trip after a two-month pause due to nationwide protests.
The first trip on August 11, since the unrest, took him to Rwanda for President Paul Kagame's inauguration.
Ruto was in China to attend the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit.
He was accompanied by First Lady Rachael, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Also on the trip were some of the members of his cabinet.
The summit, according to Ruto presents an opportunity for Africa to renew and strengthen its partnership with China.
He said over the years, China has proven to be a true development partner, significantly revamping the country's infrastructure.
"We look forward to leveraging these ties to accelerate our transformation," he said.
Tuesday
Ahead of the forum that was attended by several heads of state from Africa, he held talks with President Xi Jinping.
The meeting was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China.
During their meeting, Ruto said President Xi agreed to give Kenya's agricultural produce access to the Chinese market.
"We also agreed to discuss regional infrastructure projects such as the expansion of SGR, and the Rironi-Mau Summit-Malaba dual carriageway," he stated.
He also met Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing and later engaged with President Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo-Brazzaville as he sought to rally support for Raila in his AUC bid.
On the same day, Ruto and his delegation met Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President and Board of Directors Chairman Jin Liqun and other officials at the bank's headquarters.
The cherry on top was Kenya being formally admitted to join the AIIB as a fully paid member.
"The membership will enable Kenya to access concessional funding for infrastructure, climate change efforts, connectivity, regional cooperation and technology-enabled projects and programmes," said Ruto.
AIIB is a multilateral development institution with 109 members and a $100 billion capitalisation.
Ruto also had an opportunity to meet the leadership of the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) led by Chairman Wang Tongzhou.
The company has undertaken several major projects in the country.
They discussed projects such as the Rironi-Mau Summit-Malaba dual carriageway, Galana-Kulalu Irrigation Project, Bomas International Conference Centre and the expansion of the SGR into the region.
Wednesday
He started his day by meeting Rwanda's president Paul Kagame.
Rwanda is among the countries that have pledged to support Raila in his quest for the AUC job.
"Rwanda is a strong ally and strategic partner of Kenya. We share diplomatic, historical and cultural ties. Our two nations are also committed members of the East African Community, especially on regional integration, trade and people-to-people relations," Ruto said.
Ruto who was accompanied by Raila also met Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco, Asimi Goita(Mali), Faure Essozimna (Togo), Mahamat Idriss (Chad) and Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema who is also the chair of COMESA.
There was also a meeting with the Director of the African Department at IMF Abebe Aemro Selassie.
In a statement, Ruto said Kenya appreciates the critical role that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) continues to play in facilitating the country's economic growth.
"We will keep partnering to enhance our financial stability to boost production and generate more jobs," he stated.
Thursday
Ruto co-chaired a high-level meeting on the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Belt and Road Initiative has significantly enhanced productivity by facilitating mobility and market access, hence expanding economic opportunities, especially for women and youth in the country.
"Through the transformative Belt and Road Initiative and the Four Global Initiatives, we have uplifted people’s lives and led our countries towards sustainable and inclusive growth," he posted.
Ruto wrapped up the visit with a meeting with Somalia President Hassan Mohamud.
Raila and Mudavadi were in attendance.
by FELIX KIPKEMOI
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