Kenyan President William Ruto arrives in Zimbabwe ...

Kenyan President William Ruto arrives in Zimbabwe for two-day state visit

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

ZIM NOW REPORTER

Kenyan President William Ruto has arrived in the country for a two-day State visit ahead of the official opening of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2024 edition today.

He was received by his counterpart President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the Joshua Mqabuko International Airport in Bulawayo yesterday afternoon.

Besides opening the ZITF event, the two heads of state are expected to witness the signing of agreements and Memorandum of Understanding between various entities from both countries at the State House in Bulawayo.

President Ruto travelled with his wife, First Lady Rachel.

Government spokesperson, Nick Mangwana confirmed the development.

“Kenyan President, HE William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto have arrived in Zimbabwe ahead of the official opening of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair on Saturday. They were welcomed in Bulawayo by HE President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Amai Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa,” he said.

Bulawayo Mayor, David Coltart was also at the airport to welcome the Kenyan President.

Ruto was due to officially open the ZITF on Friday, but he delayed after flying to Tanzania to attend the 60th anniversary of the union of mainland Tanzania and the island of Zanzibar.

His delay forced ZITF organisers to change the official opening to Saturday, the final day of the trade exhibition.

A few days ago, Hussein Mohamed, Kenya’s State House spokesperson, said Ruto would “emphasise the significance of international trade fairs and forums as catalysts for economic development, industrial growth, global linkages and job creation.”

“The visit elevates the existing strong bilateral relations between the two countries by upgrading the current Joint permanent Commission for Cooperation at the ministerial level to a Bi-National Commission at the heads of state level,” he said.