Kenya and Congo-Brazzaville have strengthened their ties by signing 18 cooperation deals during a state visit by Kenyan President William Ruto to Congo-Brazzaville.
The most significant announcement came with the removal of visa restrictions, allowing for easier movement of people between the two nations.
President Ruto, received by his counterpart Denis Sassou Nguesso, delivered a powerful message to the gathered members of parliament, highlighting Africa’s vulnerability to climate change despite contributing only 4% of greenhouse gas emissions.
He also expressed concern over the heavy debt burden faced by low-income African countries, which currently spend 24% of their GDP on debt payments.
President Ruto commended the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and emphasized its potential to enhance intra-African trade, which currently stands at a mere 17%, in contrast to the European Union’s 70%.
To further facilitate trade and movement of people, President Ruto announced the abolition of visas between Congo-Brazzaville and Kenya. He emphasized the importance of increasing trade and fostering closer ties between the two nations.
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In addition to the visa agreement, 17 other cooperation deals were signed, covering various sectors such as agriculture, livestock, environment, tourism, mining industries, geology, and diplomatic training.
President Ruto also expressed his intent to relaunch Kenya Airways’ flights between Nairobi and Brazzaville by the end of the year, aiming to strengthen transportation links between the two capitals.
President Ruto’s visit included a dinner at the People’s Palace banquet hall, where he and President Nguesso signed the agreements.
The Kenyan President later headed to his stronghold of Oyo, located 400 kilometers north of Brazzaville.
The agreements and the visa abolition mark a significant step forward in the cooperation and economic partnership between Kenya and Congo-Brazzaville, fostering greater connectivity and trade opportunities for both nations.
