Sisi, Ruto discuss latest developments in Horn of Africa, Red Sea
Cairo, Nairobi keen to boost trade, economic, investment ties
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received on Wednesday Kenyan President William Ruto at Ittihadiya Palace, where they discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations.
Following their in-camera meeting, expanded talks took place with delegations from both countriesattending. During these talks, the two presidents signed a joint declaration elevating the relationship between Egypt and Kenya to a strategic and comprehensive partnership, according to Presidency Spokesman Mohamed el-Shennawy.
following their meeting, the two leaders held a joint press conference, where President Sisi expressed his commitment, alongside his Kenyan counterpart, to continue strengthening political dialogue and coordination on key issues. These efforts will be pursued both regionally and within the framework of joint African initiatives of the African Union. This includes regional integration, promoting peace and security on the continent, implementing Agenda 2063 development goals, supporting institutional reforms, and advancing Africa’s priorities on the international stage.
In his statement, President Sisi emphasised that President Ruto’s visit provided an opportunity for fruitful discussions. He reaffirmed mutual efforts to enhance and expand bilateral relations, aiming to establish a strategic and comprehensive partnership, which will pave the way for increased co-operation across a wide range of sectors, including defence, security, counterterrorism, water resources, culture, education, and the exchange of expertise and capacity-building.
President Sisi stressed the importance of strengthening economic, trade, and investment ties between Cairo and Nairobi, specifically by supporting the presence of Egyptian companies in the Kenyan market. This co-operation is particularly crucial in sectors of mutual interest, including infrastructure, health, agriculture, and irrigation — areas where Egyptian companies have a competitive edge and significant expertise. Additionally, President Sisi highlighted the continued joint efforts for capacity building in Kenya across various fields.
President Sisi said that discussions also covered the latest developments in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. Both leaders acknowledged the serious security threats facing the Red Sea, which could escalate conflict and undermine the crucial role of the littoral states in managing their own affairs. The president pointed out that this situation is directly linked to the Israeli aggression in Gaza, which remains a major factor in these security challenges.
On Sudan, President Sisi and President Ruto exchanged views on ways to resolve the ongoing conflict. They stressed the importance of continued collaboration between Egypt and Kenya to find meaningful solutions to the crisis in order to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of Sudanese citizens and create space for a political dialogue that fulfills the aspirations of the Sudanese people for security and stability.
President Sisi said he discussed the latest developments surrounding the Nile River issuewith President Ruto. He reiterated Egypt’s firm position on the severe water scarcity it faces, emphasising Egypt’s full support for the legitimate developmental needs of the Nile Basin countries. He stressed the necessity of maintaining positive coordination between Egypt and Kenya to ensure that no party is harmed in the process.
Both leaders agreed that the Nile River holds great potential for development and opportunities for all its riparian countries. This can only be achieved through mutual co-operation, sincere intentions, and adherence to the relevant international legal frameworks.
Following the discussions and the press conference, President Sisi and President Ruto attended the signing of several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) across various sectors. The two countries signed an agreement on co-operation between the Port of Alexandria and the Kenyan Port Authority, and another on co-operation between Safaga Port and the Kenyan Port Authority (Mombasa Port). These agreements were signed by Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel el-Wazir and Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi.
A memorandum of understanding to strengthen collaboration between the Egyptian Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Development and its Kenyan counterpart, was signed by Minister of Housing Sherif el-Sherbini and Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi.
The two leaders also witnessed the inking of amemorandum of understanding between Egypt’s General Authority for Investment and Free Zones and the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest).
Another MoUwas signed on co-operation in the fields of communications, information technology, and postal services between Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Kenyan Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy. They also signed a memorandum of understanding onco-operation in education and science between Egypt’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Kenyan Ministry of Education.
Meanwhile, Kenyan President Ruto commended President Sisi’s leadership and efforts in managing the situation in Gaza and other conflict areas. He expressed his country’s full support for these efforts, particularly in promoting peace, security, and humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
During the joint press conference, President Ruto also reiterated Kenya’s support for the two-state solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, underscoring Kenya’s commitment to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2728, which calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
