President William Ruto and Angolan President João Manuel Goncalves Lorenco, on Saturday, oversaw the signing of 11 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) at State House in Nairobi. These agreements are intended to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Kenya and Angola.
The agreements covered various aspects, including the management and conservation of wildlife, cooperation in shipping and maritime activities, youth development, forestry collaboration, and bilateral efforts in the agricultural sector. In addition, there were MoUs related to telecommunications, information and communication technology, the oil and gas industry, mining and geology, health collaboration, capacity building for the public service, and cooperation between their respective diplomatic academies. President Ruto expressed optimism that these frameworks would unlock the potential of their commercial and trade relations.
In a move to enhance trade and people-to-people interactions between Kenya and Angola, the governments decided to immediately waive Visa requirements for all nationals from Angola. They also instructed their respective transport ministers to expedite discussions on the resumption of direct flights between the two countries.
Both heads of state also pledged their commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Great Lakes region. They strongly opposed unconstitutional changes of governments and external interference in the political processes of African nations. President Ruto highlighted the active role that both Kenya and Angola have played in addressing the conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo through initiatives like the Luanda Roadmap and the EAC-led Nairobi Process.
Furthermore, they expressed concern about the proliferation of conflicts in Africa and beyond, and called for urgent reforms within the United Nations, especially the Security Council, to make it more representative, accountable, effective, and responsive to the world’s geographical realities.
President Ruto also announced Kenya’s support for Angola’s candidacy for the chairmanship of the African Union, based on endorsement from the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Regarding climate change, both leaders acknowledged the severe effects experienced by Kenya and Angola due to this pressing issue. They affirmed the resolutions reached at the Africa Climate Summit and agreed to work together within the framework of the African Union and the United Nations, ahead of COP28 in Dubai, to ensure Africa’s full contribution to addressing this crucial matter.