Audio by Vocalize
President William Ruto welcomes South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at State House, Nairobi in November 2022. (PSC)
President William Ruto will pay a three-day state visit to South Africa from June 3 to June 5 at the invitation of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The visit, to be held at the Union Buildings in Tshwane, aims to strengthen economic ties between the two countries and deepen bilateral ties.
In a statement, the President of South Africa described the visit as a high-level diplomatic engagement designed to improve cooperation between Nairobi and Pretoria.
“South Africa and Kenya have long-standing, mutually beneficial and cordial relations, dating back to 1994. South Africa values Kenya as a strategic partner in the East African region and continent,” the statement said.
The event will include a formal reception at the Union Buildings, followed by bilateral talks between Ruto and Ramaphosa and a business forum.
The Forum will also focus on enhancing economic cooperation, promoting business partnerships and opening up trade and investment opportunities in strategic sectors.
Ramaphosa last visited Kenya November 2022 On a state visit at Ruto's invitation. The meeting held at State House, Nairobi resulted in an agreement allowing Kenyans to travel visa-free to South Africa.
Kenya and South Africa maintain strong diplomatic and economic relations and are considered major regional powers in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Ruto's visit follows a number of international engagements, including a recent two-day state visit to Kazakhstan, the first by a Kenyan president. It focused on promoting trade, expanding markets for Kenyan exports such as tea, and securing partnerships in the ICT and energy sectors.
follow the standard 