President Ruto jets out for crucial Italy- Africa summit in Rome

President William Ruto has left the country for an official visit to Rome, Italy to participate in the Italy-Africa summit.

The two-day conference is aimed at strengthening ties and collaboration between Africa and Italy while at the same time presenting the country’s strategic plan aimed at reviewing its approach to the African continent.

The agenda of the summit covers diverse areas of cooperation, including food security, culture, education, vocational training, energy security, economic and infrastructure development, as well as joint efforts against human trafficking and terrorism.

The summit whose theme is "A Bridge for Common Growth," will witness the participation of 20 African Heads of State and government.

In a press release, Statehouse spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said Ruto will deliver an address on the crucial topic of energy security.

Ruto currently serves as the chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC).

“Ruto's role in CAHOSCC underscores the emphasis on climate change concerns in the discussions,” Hussein said.

Additionally, President Ruto is scheduled to engage in bilateral discussions with Italian President Sergio Mattarella to fortify the countries' collaboration.

The leaders will review agreements established during President Mattarella's state visit to Kenya last year and subsequent meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Hussein stated.

Projects emerging from this collaboration span environmental conservation, climate change resilience, water, education, health, energy, and culture.

Ruto’s itinerary, according to the Spokesperson further extends to bilateral engagements with European Union leaders, World Bank, and IMF officials.

The EU leaders and representatives of international organizations are among those attending the summit

On the sidelines on the summit, Ruto is scheduled to meet African leaders involved in peace processes in the DRC, Sudan, and South Sudan, highlighting the broader regional significance of his visit.

The ongoing mediation talks for peace restoration in South Sudan are happening in Italy.

The talks are being held under the auspices of the Community of Sant’Egidio between the government of South Sudan and opposition parties under the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance.