President William Ruto had the first conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday and shared details of their discussions.
President-elect Trump trounced Vice President and Democratic Party candidate Kamala Harris in the US elections held on Nov 05, paving the way for his return to The White House as the 47th President.
During the conversation, President Ruto briefed the President-elect on areas of mutual interests to the two countries.
Good governance, security, trade and investment are among the areas that Ruto and Trump touched on during the conversation.
“I have had a telephone conversation with US President-Elect @realDonaldTrump. I congratulated him following his election as the 47th President of the United States of America. We discussed areas of mutual interest that are of benefit to the citizens of our two countries, including trade and investment, security and good governance. “ Ruto stated on X.
READ: Treasury CS: What Trump presidency means for Kenya-U.S. economic relations
Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti
The Kenyan President also briefed Trump on the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.
“I briefed President Trump on the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti and possible areas of cooperation with the US government on this important conflict resolution initiative.” Ruto added.
Kenya is a strategic ally to US and a key trade partner and President William Ruto has been a key ally of President Joe Biden.
The change in US leadership is likely to have ripple effects as the new administration rolls out areas of its focus and cooperation.
Areas of cooperation & Ruto's relationship with President Joe Biden
Kenya and the US have over the years cooperated in multilateral cooperation, public health, gender equality, regional stability, democracy and human rights, refugee support, climate change, advancing economic prosperity, and defence cooperation.
President Biden welcomed Ruto to the White House for a historic state visit that lasted four days, affirming the strategic partnership between US and Kenya.
“This visit is not just about our history; it’s about the future of what we’re going to do together, and there’s a lot we can and must do together,” Biden said during Ruto’s visit.
READ: Only 2 U.S. presidents have returned to White House after 1st term ejection
Trump returns to the helm of US government as the 47th president, having also served as the 45th president.