President William Ruto has offered to support his Angolan counterpart João Lourenço in his quest for the chairperson of the continental bloc-African Union.
Speaking Saturday during a press briefing at State House, Ruto said he looks forward to working with him on continental assignments.
“I promise you Mr President that you have Kenya’s support as you seek the chairmanship for the AU for the year 2025-26,” he said.
Lourenço is in Kenya on a two-day visit.
It is his first-ever trip to the country.
Ruto said he has confidence that through his leadership, Africa will rise to take up its rightful place in the community of nations globally.
“I have confidence in your capabilities, that you will bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding and experience to the leadership of our continent that I and you share in building its ability and unity,” he said.
The chairperson of the African Union is the ceremonial head of the AU elected by the Assembly of heads of state and government for a one-year term.
Comorian President Azali Assoumani is the current chairperson having assumed office in May this year.
Both Algeria and Morocco are vying for the position in 2024.
It rotates among the continent's five regions.
The head of state at the same time thanked Angola for rallying behind Kenya in its multinational security support (MSS) to Haiti aimed at stabilizing the nation “whose citizens are Africans like us”.
Kenya, Ruto said, considers Angola as the "most dependable and strategic ally" in Africa.
