Kenyan President William Ruto and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Discuss Strategic Partnerships

Kenyan President William Ruto and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met in Nairobi for their first state visit since 2020. The leaders discussed Ethiopia’s negotiations with Somaliland to secure access to a seaport.

Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland on January 1, which has sparked tensions between the two countries. Somaliland claims Ethiopia agreed to recognize its independence in return for a naval port.

Ahmed’s visit follows President Ruto’s visit to Addis Ababa for the 37th African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government on February 16. The agreements signed between Ethiopia and Kenya aim to promote bilateral cooperation in economic and social development.