President Biden to host Kenyan counterpart William Ruto in May
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 21: William Ruto, President of Kenya, speaks onstage at The New York Times Climate Forward Summit 2023 at The Times Center on September 21, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for The New York Times)
President Joe Biden is set to welcome Kenyan President William Ruto to the White House on May 23, following the postponement of his promised visit to Africa last year. This is said to be a move to strengthen diplomatic ties and celebrate the 60th anniversary of U.S.-Kenya relations.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced on Friday that the visit aims to underscore the enduring partnership between the United States and Kenya, emphasizing collaboration in areas such as peace and security, economic ties, technological innovation, climate and clean energy, health, and security.
The timing of Ruto’s visit coincides with the recent announcement from Haiti regarding an official agreement with Kenyan officials.
Both countries are working towards the deployment of Kenyan police forces to Haiti, with a memorandum of understanding being drafted during high-level meetings held in the U.S. The agreement includes a set deadline for the arrival of Kenyan forces in Haiti.
Jean-Pierre highlighted the broader significance of Ruto’s visit, stating that it aligns with the vision that “African leadership is essential to addressing global priorities.”
The White House also confirmed that First Lady Jill Biden will join the Bidens in honouring both President Ruto and Kenyan First Lady Rachel Ruto during a dinner.
President Biden’s initial commitment to visit sub-Saharan Africa in 2023, announced in December 2022, faced postponements due to other pressing priorities.
The president engaged in last-minute trips to Israel, Vietnam, and Ukraine, while skipping the U.N. climate change conference in Dubai, delegating Vice President Kamala Harris to represent the U.S. Biden, now navigating foreign security matters such as the Israel-Hamas war and discussions on foreign aid for Ukraine, is seeking reelection in November.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, disputed characterizations of a “growing transitional mindset” toward Africa, asserting that the focus should be on “partnership and investment” for the future.
