Mudavadi meets embassy staff in Tokyo ahead of Ruto's arrival

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi who is accompanying President William Ruto on his three-day State Visit to Japan on Tuesday met Embassy staff in Tokyo.

Mudavadi who also doubles up as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said he was briefed by Ambassador Arthur Andambi on the status of Kenya-Japan relations.

He said the Ambassador highlighted potential areas of shared interests between the two countries as they mark 60 years of diplomatic relations.

Mudavadi and Principal Secretary, State Department for Diaspora Affairs, Roseline Njogu are part of the advance delegation of Ruto's entourage.

"They briefed the Prime Cabinet Secretary on the preparations for the 3-day official visit by President William Ruto ahead of his arrival this evening," a statement from the Prime CS's office said.

Ruto left the country Monday night and is expected to arrive in Tokyo Tuesday evening after a 16-hour flight.

Ruto is expected to lead Kenya's delegation in promoting bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Kenya and Japan.

The President is accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto.

On arrival, President Ruto will hold bilateral talks with his host Prime Minister Fumio Kushida on economic cooperation in key areas such as health, ICT, infrastructure, energy and financial services.

He will also lead the Japan-Kenya Business Forum, which aims to augment collaboration in trade and investment between the two countries.

A statement from State House Spokesman Hussein Mohamed dispatched Monday evening indicated that the two countries will also sign several memorandum of understanding on defence, Public-Private Partnerships on road construction and the Kemri Laboratory Expansion Project.

Mohamed said the President will also have an audience with Emperor  Naruhito and Empress Masako, meet with the Japan-Africa Parliamentary Association and eadership of prominent Japanese companies.