President William Ruto has said that Kenya and the United States are finalising a fifth trade partnership agreement.
In a statement after a call with US President Joe Biden, Ruto said the 5th Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) agreement, will anchor increased trade and investment between the two countries.
The deal, he said, will also boost manufacturing, and create jobs for Kenyans.
The President added that the relations between Kenya and the US are focused on the expansion of shared prosperity between the two nations.
“We are expediting the finalisation of 5th Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) agreement, which will anchor increased trade, boost manufacturing, create jobs, and spur investment between our nations,” Ruto said.
“We are particularly keen on partnerships in infrastructure, renewable energy, green manufacturing, and empowering Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), a key engine in our economic growth.”
Ruto noted that Kenya and the US will also continue to engage in regional security matters and conflict resolution.
They will also engage in the fight against terrorism in the Horn of Africa, he said.
During the call, Biden thanked President Ruto for answering Haiti’s call to serve as the lead nation of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission.
The United Nations Security Council on Monday, October 2, approved a year-long multinational security mission for Haiti, led by Kenya, to crack down on rampant gang violence that has unravelled life for many in the Caribbean nation.
The 15-member Council voted to authorize the mission that would guard critical infrastructure such as airports, ports, schools, hospitals and key traffic intersections.
Kenya will send at least 1,000 police officers, and several other nations are expected to offer other resources.
Biden also congratulated Kenya for successfully hosting the African Climate Summit.
Also discussed during the call is shared democratic values and belief in the rule of law as a platform for expanding economic opportunities and prosperity.
Source: The Star