President William Ruto and first lady Rachel Ruto are set to visit the White House following an invite by United States (US) President Joe Biden.
In a February 16, 2024, statement, the White House announced that it shall be hosting the two on May 23, 2024.
“United States President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto of the Republic of Kenya for a State Visit to the United States on May 23, 2024,” read part of the statement.
According to the White House, the upcoming visit will mark the 60th anniversary of U.S.-Kenya diplomatic relations.
The White House also noted that Ruto’s visit will celebrate a partnership that is delivering for the people of the United States and Kenya.
Both head of states are set to discuss ways to bolster cooperation between the two countries in different areas.
These include areas such as people-to-people ties, trade and investment, technological innovation, climate and clean energy, health, and security.
“The visit will strengthen our shared commitment to advance peace and security, expand our economic ties, and stand together in defense of democratic values,” the White House revealed.
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In addition, the US revealed that the visit will affirm its strategic partnership with Kenya.
The United States is also looking forward to further the vision set forth at the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit, highlighting that African leadership is essential to addressing global priorities.
Ruto reacts to invitation
While acknowledging the invitation, Ruto conveyed his deep appreciation to President Biden and First lady Jill Biden for undertaking to host him and Rachel Ruto at the White House.
“I look forward to engaging with President Biden on a broad range of matters of mutual interest to our nations, not just in terms of sectors of economic, political and diplomatic spheres of endeavor, but also with respect to our shared commitment to the fundamental values which define the strong policy convergence and robust strategic alignment of our enterprises, peoples and governments,” said the President.
He further went to state that Kenya views the state visit as a high-profile opportunity to articulate a new era of dynamic partnership aimed at transforming different sectors.
These include trade and investment, green energy and climate action, digital technology and innovation, health and human development, peace and security as well as multilateralism and collective action.
President William Ruto last visited the United States during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2023.
The head of state went on to secure deals for Kenya while meeting world leaders at the assembly.
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In a statement on September 19, Ruto announced that he held bilateral talks with several leaders calling for reforms in the global financial structures including debt restructuring.
According to the head of state, such changes would empower nations to participate in climate action and development.
