Details of Ruto’s meeting with Ethiopian PM Abiy

President William Ruto and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed hold bilateral talks at the National Palace/PCS

President William Ruto and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Sunday held bilateral talks at the National Palace ahead of the United Nations Food Systems Summit.

In a statement after the deliberations, Ruto said the two countries share a deep and historically robust relationship that has been anchored on good neighborliness and strong diplomatic ties.

He went on to say that this has also been supported by mutual respect between Kenya and Ethiopia, as well as cooperation and collaboration.

“This enduring partnership has been characterised by mutual respect and cooperation, fostering stability and collaboration in the Horn of Africa.

“Our ties are anchored on the Special Status Agreement signed in 2012, and which serves as a framework for enhanced cooperation in infrastructure development, energy, trade and investment, and regional integration. Held talks with Prime Minister @AbiyAhmedAli of Ethiopia at the National Palace ahead of the United Nations Food Systems Summit,” Ruto said.

President William Ruto and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed hold bilateral talks at the National Palace/PCS

Prime Minister Abiy on his part said the talks were focused on bilateral relations between the two countries.

He added that they also discussed regional issues of mutual interest between Kenya and Ethiopia.

“Also received H.E. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, for bilateral talks ahead of the Second United Nations Food Systems Summit, which Ethiopia is co-hosting. Our discussions focused on bilateral relations as well as regional issues of mutual interest.”

The meeting took place shortly after Ruto arrived in Ethiopia, on Sunday.

Upon arrival, Ruto was first received by Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh.

President William Ruto and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed hold bilateral talks at the National Palace/PCS

At the summit, the President will deliver Kenya's national statement, reaffirming the country's commitment to transforming food systems to support sustainable development and enhance climate resilience.

He will also engage in a series of high-level thematic meetings with global leaders, development partners, and the private sector.

On the sidelines of the Summit, President Ruto is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with several leaders, including Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of the Italian Republic and Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), among others.

The discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral ties, deepening regional integration, and enhancing cooperation in food security, trade, infrastructure, climate action, and multilateral diplomacy.