Inside President Ruto’s Visit To Tanzania, Zimbabwe

By Lauryne Akoth

President William Ruto will be departing for Tanzania this evening to participate in celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the Union of mainland Tanzania and the island of Zanzibar.

According to a statement by State House spokesperson Hussein Mohammed, the President’s attendance at Tanzania’s national celebration will highlight Kenya’s valued relationship, strong neighborly ties, and unwavering partnership and support for the United Republic of Tanzania and its citizens.

The Head of State will commence a two-day State Visit to Zimbabwe aimed at bolstering political, economic, and socio-cultural ties between the two countries after he visits Tanzania.

President Ruto is set to be the keynote speaker at the 64th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo.

During his address, he will stress the importance of international trade exhibitions and forums in fostering economic development, industrial expansion, global connections, and the generation of employment opportunities.

Kenya's Ruto coming to Zimbabwe as guest at International Trade Fair – The Zimbabwe Mail — President William Ruto and Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Dakar, Senegal during the Feed Africa Summit. Photo | Courtesy

His visit will elevate the existing strong bilateral relations between the two countries by upgrading the current Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation at the ministerial level to a Bi-National Commission at the Heads of State level.

The head of state is expected to ink seven bilateral cooperation instruments in health, defense, investment, education, transport, and capacity building in public service during his visit.

During discussions with President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, President Ruto will highlight the importance of enhanced air connectivity between both nations in alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) and the Tripartite Alliance Free Trade Area.

Additionally, President Ruto will articulate Kenya’s stance on climate action and emphasize the pressing requirement for reforms within the UN Security Council to address present global dynamics.

As an advocate for institutional reforms within the African Union, he will seek President Mnangagwa’s insights on bolstering the continental organization.