15 New Agreements President Ruto Have Signed.

President William Ruto inked 15 comprehensive agreements with his Republic of Congo counterpart, Denis Sassou N’Guesso, aimed at fostering bilateral ties between the two countries.

In a press briefing at the Palais du Peuple in Brazzaville on Saturday, July 8, Ruto listed agreements in various sectors including trade, security, climate, and agriculture among others.

Both presidents committed to leveraging the African Free Continental Trade Area to grow trade relations – an area whose potential they insisted is yet to be exploited.

“We will establish a conducive environment where entrepreneurs can freely invest under the African Free Continental Trade Area framework,” Ruto stated.

On his part, President N’Guesso, who committed to enhancing infra-African trade, stated, “We are going to implement this agreement for the benefit of the people.”

Additionally, the two presidents agreed to continue cooperating under the African Union (AU) and Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) frameworks to restore peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Eastern DRC.

Ruto emphasised the need to maintain peace, security and stability within the region as a prerequisite for development.

The Kenyan head of state cited the need to reform the United Nations and other multilateral organisations to make them more representative, accountable and responsive to geopolitical realities.

He also reiterated the commitment of the two nations to partner in transforming climate action into green, climate-positive growth. Ruto noted that the continent ought to make concerted efforts to win the war on climate change.

Another agreement involved the issue of food insecurity in the region whereby the presidents agreed to institute bolder steps to end the cycle of hunger and dependency on rain-fed agriculture. This would be achieved through supporting farmers by giving them access to quality inputs such as seeds, fertilisers and pesticides.

On the issue of transport, Ruto stated that the joint infrastructure development would significantly improve the region’s connectivity and boost investment. He cited the ongoing infrastructure project seeking to connect Mombasa and Pointe Noire through road, rail and water.

Further, President Ruto committed to fast-tracking the opening of a resident diplomatic mission in Brazzaville in a bid to forge lasting relationships between the two countries.

Further, he reiterated his earlier stance of abolishing visa restrictions to ease people’s movement. He noted that the move would enhance integration and boost trade, adding that Kenya was working towards restoring direct flights between Nairobi and Brazzaville.

Other agreements involved partnerships in other sectors including energy, ICT, education, tourism, culture, and the blue economy, among others.