
President William Ruto on Wednesday held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA.
The meeting focused on strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Kenya and France, with both leaders pledging to deepen cooperation in trade, climate action, and infrastructure development.
In a symbolic gesture, President Ruto presented Macron with a packet of premium Kenyan tea, describing it as one of the country’s finest exports and a true representation of Kenya’s rich culture and economy.
“Kenya is proud of its tea, which is enjoyed across the globe. This gift is a reminder of our friendship and the many opportunities our nations can explore together,” Ruto said.
The move drew attention both at home and abroad, with many Kenyans praising the President for promoting local products on the global stage. The gesture was also seen as part of Ruto’s broader effort to market Kenya’s agricultural sector as a key driver of growth and international trade.
President Macron welcomed the gift warmly and commended Kenya’s role in climate change advocacy, regional security, and investment partnerships. He also reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s development agenda, particularly in clean energy and urban infrastructure.
Observers noted that the exchange of gifts reflected the cordial relationship between the two countries, even as global leaders gathered in New York to deliberate on pressing issues such as global peace, economic recovery, and climate resilience.
The meeting highlighted Kenya’s push to strengthen its global presence while promoting homegrown products.
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