Kenya and Angola will work together to ensure Kenya Airways resumes direct flights to Luanda, Angola, beginning March 2025.
This was announced after a meeting between Presidents William Ruto and João Lourenço of Angola at the Angolan presidential palace in Luanda on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
State House Kenya said the move marks a significant step in strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
“We welcome Angola’s decision to work with Kenya in facilitating the resumption of Kenya Airways’ direct flights to Luanda from March,” Ruto said.
Presidents William Ruto and João Lourenço of Angola in a meeting at the Angolan presidential palace in Luanda on January 8, 2025. PHOTO/PCS.
Visa Waiver & Kenya Airways Resumption Benefits
Additionally, Angola will work towards waiving visa requirements for Kenyans visiting the country, reciprocating Kenya’s earlier gesture.
“This move will enable our professionals like teachers to access Angola much more easily,” Ruto said.
Ruto said the agreements will strengthen bilateral ties and expand opportunities for enhanced cooperation and mutual benefits.
The two leaders also discussed pertinent issues in the African continent, including peace in the Great Lakes region, institutional reforms of the African Union and the elections of the chairperson of the African Union Commission next month.
Ruto, who was given the mandate by fellow African heads of State to champion AU reforms, invited President Lourenço for a retreat in Kenya later this month ahead of the AU Heads of State Summit in February.
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Peace Discussions
On the Luanda Process for Peace in Eastern Democratic Republic Congo, the two leaders appreciated the need for a joint meeting between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) to consolidate the initiative.
“Peace and security in our continent are of paramount importance to us all, and we are keen to have a process that incorporates all and ensure its success,” Ruto explained.
He requested his Angolan counterpart for support of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the AU Commission chairperson position.
Also Read: Kenya Airways Announces Resumption of Mayotte Flights
Ruto Meets Other Leaders
President Ruto, who arrived in Luanda on Tuesday evening from Accra, Ghana, where he had attended the inauguration of President John Mahama, also discussed trade relations between the two countries with President Lourenco.
While in Ghana, Ruto also held talks with Duma Gideon Boko, Tongolese President Faure Essozimna GNASSINGBÉ and Equatorial Guinea Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue.
He also met the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Wamkele Mene and United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa Lord Collins.
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