President William Ruto, on Wednesday, September 24, held a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in New York, USA.
In a statement after the meeting, President Ruto said that he and President Macron reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing multilateral cooperation between Kenya and France.
"Held talks with President Emmanuel Macron of France on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“We reaffirmed our shared commitment to strengthening relations between Kenya and France, and to deepening multilateral cooperation that advances global goals,” Ruto stated.
The Head of State also announced that Kenya and France will co-host the Africa Forward: Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth Summit in Nairobi on May 11–12, 2026.
Read More
Ruto said the summit will bring together African and French Heads of State and Government to drive innovation and foster economic growth.
“The Summit will bring together African and French Heads of State and Government to drive innovation, foster growth, and shape a future built on mutual benefit,” said Ruto.
Furthermore, the President stated that the initiative is part of the renewal of relations between France and African nations.
Meanwhile, Ruto also held talks with US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio in New York.
President Ruto said the meeting with Rubio encompassed a wide range of bilateral, regional, and global matters.
“At the bilateral level, we agreed to strengthen relations by expanding trade, concluding a trade agreement by the end of the year, boosting U.S. investment in Kenya, and deepening security cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism,” Ruto said.
During the meeting, Rubio praised Kenya’s leadership and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to working more closely with Nairobi to advance peace and security across the region.
President Ruto and Rubio further held a positive discussion on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is set to expire at the end of September.
Ruto flew to the US on Saturday, September 20, to attend the High-Level Week of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
On the sidelines of the event, President Ruto has held strategic bilateral meetings with global leaders and development partners.
