[PHOTOS] Kenya to expand trade ties with Arab Emirates

President William Ruto on Friday held talks with United Arab Emirates Federal Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Shakhboot Al Nahyan at State House Nairobi.

Speaking after the meeting, Ruto said Kenya will grow its trade with the United Arab Emirates.

"The two nations have agreed to fast-track trade agreements and set up a joint panel to explore investment partnerships in oil and gas, technology transfer, agriculture, healthcare as well as development of Special Economic Zones," he said.

According to UAE’s state news agency, the United Arab Emirates and Kenya agreed to launch talks on a comprehensive economic partnership this year, which would be the first of its kind between the Gulf Arab state and an African country.

Trade, Investment and Industry Cabinet Secretary nominee Moses Kuria was also among those who attended the meeting.