President William Ruto has held talks with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, focusing on trade, security, technology, health and regional peace.
In a statement following the meeting, President Ruto said Kenya and the United States share a strong and enduring partnership anchored in trade, security, technology and development.
“ We welcome the extension of AGOA, which will strengthen trade between Africa and the United States and expand economic opportunities,” Ruto said.
The President said the two countries are also broadening cooperation in emerging areas, particularly Artificial Intelligence and its application in health, education and financial services.
He added that the discussions covered the responsible governance of rapidly advancing AI technologies, as well as opportunities for cooperation in critical minerals and nuclear energy.
According to U.S. State Department Spokesman Tommy Pigott, Rubio and Ruto discussed how opportunities in Kenya’s critical minerals sector could position the country as a key player while creating opportunities for U.S. firms to provide value addition.
On regional peace and security, President Ruto said the talks addressed sustaining the security mission in Somalia, supporting stability in Haiti and responding to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
“We discussed sustaining the security mission in Somalia, supporting stability in Haiti, and addressing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan through efforts towards a ceasefire, political settlement and continued regional engagement,” Ruto said.
Also present during the meeting were Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy Hassan Joho, and Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Opiyo Wandayi.
Secretary Rubio also expressed appreciation for Kenya’s partnership with the U.S. Government in implementing a new and holistic approach to the two countries’ historic health partnership under the America First Global Health Strategy.
The meeting further underscored Kenya’s role as a major non-NATO ally of the United States and its contribution to resolving regional conflicts.
