President William Ruto has advocated for regional peace as he attends the ongoing Italy-Africa Summit in Rome.
The President arrived in Rome Sunday evening accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto.
In a statement Monday evening, Ruto said he held discussions with European Council President Charles Mitchel on the sidelines of the summit concerning conflict resolution in the region.
“We agreed that we have an opportunity to work together in resolving conflicts in the region including Sudan, DRC and Somalia,” he said.
Kenya is playing a leading mediation role in the resumption of stability in the war-torn countries.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni opened the Africa summit on Monday and unveiled a major plan aimed at boosting development in Africa which she hopes will contain migrant arrivals and strengthen ties between Europe and Africa.
“We want to free up African energy to guarantee younger generations a right which to date has been denied,” she said.
“Because here in Europe we talk a lot about the right to emigrate, but we rarely talk about guaranteeing the right to not be forced to emigrate.”
Meloni said her country’s plan for the continent’s development will create jobs and discourage African youths from leaving home on dangerous journeys across the Sea in search of green pastures in Europe.
Ruto weighed in on the matter saying;
“The African Union is consolidating its position in pushing for more reforms in the multilateral development system to align with the current social and economic realities. This is the time for Africa to find its rightful place on the global stage.”
Ruto is among African leaders, top European Union and United Nations officials and representatives from international lending institutions attending the Summit.
The President earlier on Monday met with Axel van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director of the World Bank responsible for Development Policy and Partnerships.
“We discussed, among other issues the forthcoming IDA21 Replenishment Summit to be hosted by Kenya this year,” Ruto said.
The President said Kenya acknowledges the World Bank's contribution to supporting her development aspirations.
“We are committed to further deepening this partnership to enhance our economic growth and expand opportunities for the people,” he said.
