Kenya President, Williams Ruto, has sent a special envoy to the President-elect of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to discuss how both countries can benefit from each other.
A spokesman for the president-elect’s office, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, on Sunday, said that the envoy came to discuss areas of mutual interests between the two countries.
Ruto, through the visitors also sent a personally signed congratulatory letter to Tinubu over the weekend in his Lagos residence.
Peoples Gazette reported that the delegation was led by Ruto’s Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service of Kenya, Felix K. Koskei.
Koskei told Tinubu that the desire of Ruto was to partner the incoming Nigerian leader in “bringing Africa together and strengthen the continent through cooperation and sharing of experiences”.
The letter read in part, “On behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Kenya, and on my own behalf, I convey greetings and congratulations to you on your victory, and to the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for their fortitude and maturity in ensuring the successful conduct of the 2023 general elections.
“I wish to applaud the close friendship which exists between our two countries. Kenya and Nigeria share values and aspirations in various sectors including political, socio-economic, cultural, diplomatic exchange and indeed hold commonality of views on many continental and international issues.
“I look forward to working with you to champion the cause of our continent, and to strengthen further the historical bonds and friendship that happily exist between our two countries and the people.”
In his response, Tinubu expressed his desire to work with the Ruto and other African leaders to champion issues of mutual interest.
Tinubu pledged to work with Kenya in the areas of economic growth, development and tackling insecurity in line with his agenda for the Nigerian people.
He was quoted saying, “I intend to maintain that long, cordial relationship between our two countries and continue to pursue the aspiration of our forefathers towards building a stronger and more economically stable Africa.
“If we exchange ideas and inter-relate, it will help our continent. Economic opportunities would be explored for Africa’s growth and security.”
The president-elect also promised to pay a returning visit to the East African country at a later time to further explore areas of common interest for the benefit of both countries and the continent.
