President William Ruto has affirmed that Kenya and South Sudan seek joint infrastructure projects to boost trade and enhance regional integration.
Speaking on Saturday at State House after holding talks with his South Sudan counterpart, Salva Kiir, Ruto said he is keen on implementing the infrastructural projects under the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport Corridor project (LAPSSET).
He said it will enhance connectivity, further integration and boost intra-regional trade for shared prosperity.
“This is instrumental in supporting bilateral trade,” he said.
The two leaders signed a Memorandum of Understanding on building a fibre optic connection along the Eldoret-Juba road.
To increase trade between the two countries, they also decided to finish building the 11-kilometre Nadapal to Nakodok road.
According to President Ruto, South Sudan and Kenya have also decided to take advantage of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement to boost trade between the two countries.
“President Kiir and I had the opportunity to share ideas about collaborating to seize emerging opportunities to improve the trade balance between our two nations,” he said.
President Kiir pledged to speed up the accords' implementation to reap expanded commerce's financial and social advantages.
Along with the war in Sudan, the two presidents spoke about African peace and security.
President Kiir promised to assist efforts to reduce violent conflict and bring peace to Sudan.
President Ruto applauded the South Sudanese government's decision to open its borders and offer protection, safe passage, and sanctuary to those escaping the turmoil in Sudan.
