- Shehbaz Sharif, President William Ruto discuss trade, investment, defence and regional cooperation in New York
NEW YORK: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Kenyan President William Ruto on the sidelines of the High-Level Segment of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, with the two leaders reviewing bilateral relations and reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening ties between Pakistan and Kenya.
The meeting provided an opportunity to assess the progress of bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional and global developments, including sustainable development, international peace and security.
Focus on expanding economic and trade cooperation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan’s desire to broaden cooperation with Kenya across a range of areas, including politics, trade, investment, defence, education and people-to-people contacts.
Emphasizing the significant potential for greater economic engagement, the prime minister highlighted opportunities to expand bilateral trade and investment, particularly in pharmaceuticals, textiles, surgical instruments, agriculture and other sectors of mutual interest.
He also called for increased interaction between the business communities of the two countries and invited Kenyan investors to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, including those available in the country’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
Pakistan seeks stronger engagement with East African Community
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also underlined Pakistan’s interest in expanding its engagement with the East African Community (EAC), reflecting Islamabad’s broader efforts to strengthen economic and diplomatic partnerships with East African countries.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Kenya relations and reaffirmed their commitment to building on the longstanding and cordial ties between the two countries. President William Ruto praised Pakistan’s mediation efforts during the recent crisis in West Asia and the Gulf region, according to the meeting readout. Two leaders also exchanged views on important regional and international developments and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation on issues of mutual interest.
Leaders call for stronger institutional mechanisms
Recognizing the importance of regular high-level engagement, Pakistan and Kenya agreed to further strengthen existing institutional mechanisms for bilateral cooperation.
The two sides specifically emphasized the role of the Bilateral Political Consultations and the Joint Ministerial Commission in advancing cooperation and maintaining regular dialogue between the two countries.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his best wishes for the continued progress, prosperity and well-being of the people of Kenya, expressing confidence that Pakistan-Kenya relations would continue to expand across political, economic and people-to-people domains.
BY: The Times Union
