• Ruto said Mnangagwa has taken bold, commendable reforms to develop Zimbabwe.
• He also commended the Zimbabwean President's commitment to developing critical infrastructure to facilitate the economic recovery of his country.
Image: SCREEGRAB
President William Ruto now says that his Zimbabwe counterpart, Emmerson Mnangagwa's determination to steer his country to prosperity is inspiring.
Speaking on Friday when he attended a dinner hosted by Mnangagwa in his honour, Ruto said Mnangagwa has taken bold, commendable reforms to develop Zimbabwe.
"Mr President, the evidence of your determination to steer the nation of Zimbabwe into prosperity is abundant, obvious and inspiring," President Ruto said.
"In particular, I commend your resolve to undertake bold and necessary reforms and promote investments and other forms of support to bolster Agricultural productivity to enhance food production in your country," Ruto said.
President Ruto went on to say that he is largely encouraged by Mnangagwa's willingness to undertake collaboration between Kenya and Zimbabwe which he said, will be beneficial to the two countries.
Ruto also commended the Zimbabwean President's commitment to developing critical infrastructure to facilitate the economic recovery of his country.
He insisted that it is all an indication of his commitment to the growth of Zimbabwe.
"I am also highly encouraged my elder brother by your willingness to embark on a bilateral collaboration that will enable us take our bilateral relations to a whole new level for the mutual benefit of the people of Zimbabwe and the people of Kenya,
"Your emphatic commitment to accelerate the development of energy, transport, and communication infrastructure as enablers of trade and investment productivity and efficiency and ultimately rapid economic growth is a potential testament to the boldness and ambition of your vision for Zimbabwe’s economic turnaround," Ruto said.
Speaking at the same event, Mnangagwa praised Ruto for his stance on sanctions imposed on African countries.
He said that he was proud of Ruto's stand on the sanctions.
He noted that very few leaders can do that, saying that when leaders get a chance to speak at the United Nations, they only say what they think needs to be said and others say the problems they face.
For the Kenyan President, however, Mnangagwa said that he spoke to the world when he called for the lifting of sanctions on Zimbabwe.
"We also applaud your stand regionally, continentally and internationally where you have publicly denounced sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe. We are proud," Mnangagwa said.
He went on to say that Ruto's remarks are an assurance that Zimbabwe has a friend in Kenya.
Ruto arrived in Zimbabwe on Friday and was received by his counterpart Mnangagwa.
Ruto will be the chief guest at the 64th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo.