President William Ruto has called on Arab nations to explore and enhance their collaboration with African countries, using Kenya as their gateway into the continent.
Speaking on Friday at the Arab-Africa Summit in Riyadh, Suadi Arabia, President Ruto explained that collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Africa in developing and sustainably exploiting their combined hydrocarbon and green energy resources holds promise for meeting current and future energy demands and responding effectively to the global crisis.
“This will also support effective responses to the global crisis. This emerging market is hungry for development, yet abounds with attractive investment opportunities,” he said.
He also called for the strengthening of trade and investment partnerships between Saudi Arabia and the continent, which he says is vital for fostering both regional and global stability.
Ruto urged Saudi Arabia and the Arab world to invest its capital in African financial institutions, enhancing the continent’s ability to withstand economic turbulence.
He underscored Saudi Arabia and Africa’s joint effort to cultivate skilled workers, promoting sustained productivity and competitiveness through its partnership in education, training, and human capital development.
“I see much potential for us to strengthen our complementarities in this sphere and institute a vast belt of peace, security, stability and prosperity covering the Middle East and Africa,” he said
Leaders present included Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Comoros President and Chairperson of the African Union Azali Assoumani, Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit and Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki.
Also present were Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Gabonese interim President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, Mauritius President Prithvirajsing Roopun, Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame among others.
