Majority Leader in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung’wah on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, hosted US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman at his office in the Parliament building.
The Kikuyu Member of Parliament (MP) in a statement said the meeting with America’s top diplomat in Kenya was to discuss key issues ahead of President William Ruto’s meeting with his US counterpart Joe Biden.
“Kenya and the US enjoy mutual diplomatic and trade ties spanning 60 years. US President @POTUS will host H.E. President @WilliamsRuto for a state visit in May to crystallize the longstanding relations.
“To this end, we held discussions with the US Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, where we underscored the significance of this visit in strengthening diplomatic ties and enhancing trade relations between our two nations,” Ichung’wah said.
The Majority Leader added that meeting with the US ambassador to Kenya underscored the need for the two nations to deepen trade ties and explore investment opportunities.
“Our dialogue focused on deepening existing trade partnerships, fostering diplomatic cooperation, promoting regional peace and security in the Horn of Africa, and renewing the congressional exchange program with the Kenyan Parliament.
“Likewise, we explored opportunities for collaborative ventures and investments in expanding technological advancements, recognizing its transformative potential for both our people. These discussions reflect our shared commitment to advancing mutual interests and prosperity,” he said.
Ichung’wah further exuded confidence that Ruto’s state visit to the US will serve as a milestone in the enduring partnership between the two nations.
“As we look forward to President Ruto’s visit, we are confident that it will serve as a milestone in our enduring partnership, bringing our nations even closer together for the betterment of our citizens,” he said.
Ruto, Biden meeting
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on February 16, 2024, confirmed that President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host their Kenyan counterparts for the visit in May, marking the 60th anniversary of U.S.-Kenya diplomatic relations.
Jean-Pierre emphasized that the visit symbolizes the enduring partnership between Kenya and the US.
“The visit will strengthen our shared commitment to advance peace and security, expand our economic ties, and stand together in defence of democratic values,” she said.
The White House Press Secretary noted that discussions during the visit will encompass various areas of cooperation aimed at enhancing people-to-people connections, fostering trade and investment, promoting technological innovation, addressing climate change and clean energy initiatives, advancing healthcare and bolstering security measures.
She underscored that the visit serves to reaffirm the strategic partnership between the Biden adm and Kenya, aligning with the vision outlined at the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit.
