Somali Magazine October 21, 2023- In a bid to boost trade ties between Nairobi and Luanda, Kenya and Angola have agreed to resume direct flights.
Speaking at State House-Nairobi, President William Ruto said the Kenya-Angola trade has been on the rise in the past four years.
The head of state, however, observed that more needs to be done to unlock the underlying potential.
He held talks with his Angola counterpart João Lourenço.“There is a huge scope for these numbers to go up if we strengthen our interconnection.”
Besides flights, President Ruto also announced the activation of a visa-free regime to ease the free movement of people.
“Angolans coming to Kenya will not require a visa. Angola will equally consider the same for Kenyans,” said President Ruto.
This, he added, will facilitate a wider interaction of diverse ideas, resources, and businesses.
The two leaders also had a joint media briefing where Kenya pledged to support Angola’s candidature for the African Union Peace and Security Council membership.
During the event, 11 legal instruments were signed.
They include on wildlife and conservation, shipping and maritime, mining, youth affairs, forestry, agriculture, ICT, oil and gas, health, diplomacy and public service.
President Lourenço told the media that the instruments provide a rich foundation for the growth of Kenya-Angola relations.
“This will usher in a new era of our common prosperity,” he said.
In the event were Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretaries, among others.