Kenya and Angola are set to push for the resumption of direct flights between Nairobi and Luanda to enhance bilateral trade.

 Speaking on Saturday, when he held talks with his Angola counterpart João Lourenço, President William Ruto said the Kenya-Angola trade has increased in the past four years. Still, more needs to be done to unlock the underlying potential.

“There is a huge scope for these numbers to go up if we strengthen our interconnection.”

Further, Ruto announced the activation of a visa-free regime to ease the free movement of people to facilitate a wider interaction of diverse ideas, resources, and businesses.

“Angolans coming to Kenya will not require a visa. Angola will equally consider the same for Kenyans,” he said.

The two Heads of State had a joint media briefing where Kenya pledged to support Angola’s candidature for the African Union Peace and Security Council membership.

Further, eleven legal instruments were signed during the event.

PHOTO | COURTESY: President William Ruto and his Angolan Counterpart  João Lourenço witnessing the signing of the 11 legal instruments. Image: X/ President William Ruto

They include on wildlife and conservation, shipping and maritime, mining, youth affairs, forestry, agriculture, ICT, oil and gas, health, diplomacy and public service.

President Lourenço told the media that the instruments provide a rich foundation for developing Kenya-Angola relations.

“This will usher in a new era of our common prosperity,” he said.