Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-01-28 05:38:51
President William Ruto has departed from the country for an official visit to Rome, Italy, to attend the Italy-Africa Summit. The summit, themed ‘A Bridge for Common Growth’, will convene 20 African Heads of State and Government to discuss various areas of collaboration, including food security, culture, education, vocational training, energy security, economic and infrastructure development, and the fight against human trafficking and terrorism.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed mentioned that President Ruto will address energy security during the summit, given his role as the chairperson of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change. Additionally, he will engage in discussions with President Sergio Mattarella of Italy to enhance bilateral cooperation, reviewing agreements reached during President Mattarella’s previous state visit to Kenya.
The visit aims to expedite collaborative projects, especially in the areas of environmental conservation, climate change resilience, water, education, health, energy, and culture. President Ruto is also expected to engage with European Union leaders and African leaders involved in peace processes in Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Specifically, during his visit, President Ruto intends to secure funding for essential water projects and conclude negotiations on the government’s efforts to revive stalled dam projects in Elgeyo Marakwet and Nakuru County. Kenya has received funding from Italy for various projects, including dam construction, as well as support for education, health, energy, and cultural initiatives.
President Ruto has also previously voiced concerns about the Sudan crisis, urging dialogue to resolve differences and prevent the country from sliding into military rule. During a meeting in 2023, he emphasized the continent’s zero-tolerance stance towards military rule and emphasized the need to hold accountable those perpetuating violence and destruction in Sudan.
