Ahead of the 29th May inauguration of Nigeria’s President-elect, Kenyan President, Dr. Williams Ruto, has sent A special envoy to discuss areas of mutual interest between Nigeria and Kenya with a view to improving the relationship between both countries.
Ruto, in a letter he personally signed, congratulated Tinubu on his victory at the polls and extended his hand of fellowship to the incoming Nigerian leader.
In a statement issued Sunday by the Office of the President-elect and signed by Abdulaziz Abdulaziz which was sent to Africa Today News, New York, the Kenyan leader offered to work with Tinubu to consolidate the longstanding relationship between his country and Nigeria.
Ruto was quoted to have said: ‘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 election.
‘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.’
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He further added; ‘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.’
The letter was delivered by the Kenyan president’s envoy, who is also Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service of Kenya, Mr. Felix Koskei, during an audience with the president-elect at the weekend in Lagos.
Koskei told Tinubu that the desire of Ruto was to partner with the incoming Nigerian leader in bringing Africa together and strengthening the continent through cooperation and sharing of experiences.
In his response, Tinubu expressed his desire to work with the Kenyan president and other African leaders to champion issues of mutual interest.
‘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,’ he told the special envoy.
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.
‘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 said.
Tinubu went further to promise to pay a visit to the East African country at a later time to further explore areas of common interest for the benefit of the two countries and the continent.