Biden, Kenya's Ruto pledge to protect democracy in Africa
Source: Reuters
May 23, 2024 2:23 PM EDT Updated an hour ago
May 23 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed Kenyan President William Ruto to the White House on Thursday for a state visit, pledging a new era of partnership on technology, security and debt relief to the leader of one of Africa's strongest democracies. Ruto's is the first state visit by an African president to the White House since 2008, as Washington seeks to deepen relations with the continent.
The U.S. recently has been focused on wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and China has become Africa's biggest bi-lateral trading partner. "We may be divided by distance, but we are united by the same democratic values,” Biden said as he greeted Ruto on the South Lawn of the White House. Biden noted the U.S. and Kenya are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations after Kenya's independence.
"My visit takes place at a time when democracy is perceived to be retreating worldwide," Ruto said, standing with Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and other cabinet officials. Earlier, he had met privately with Biden in the Oval Office. "We agreed on the significant opportunity for the U.S. to radically recalibrate its strategy and strengthen its support for Africa," Ruto said.
He called Biden "a strong and committed friend" to Kenya and the rest of the continent. The White House said Biden would designate Kenya as the first sub-Saharan African country to be a major non-NATO ally. Currently, Qatar, Israel and 16 other countries share that designation.
Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-welcomes-kenyas-ruto-white-house-with-investments-promises-2024-05-23/
= new reply since forum marked as read
"Aha! He called Ruto in to make sure no one in Kenya releases the real birth certificate before the elections! I knew it!"
"How, pray tell, do you "know"?"
"Do your own research!!"
