ADDIS ABABA — President William Ruto arrived in Addis Ababa on Sunday evening ahead of the Second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake, where he is set to present Kenya’s vision for overhauling national and global food systems.
Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh received the President at Bole International Airport before President Ruto proceeded to bilateral talks at the National Palace with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
According to a statement shared on President Ruto’s official X account, the two leaders discussed their countries’ long-standing relationship and areas of regional cooperation. “This enduring partnership has been characterized by mutual respect and cooperation, fostering stability and collaboration in the Horn of Africa,” President Ruto said during the meeting.
The President reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to its Special Status Agreement with Ethiopia, signed in 2012. The deal outlines cooperation in infrastructure development, trade, investment, and energy priorities in both countries’ push for regional integration.
At the UN summit, President Ruto is expected to deliver Kenya’s national statement, focusing on strategies to build climate-resilient, sustainable food systems. His remarks will highlight Kenya’s experience in modernizing agriculture amid growing climate challenges and expanding access to nutrition for vulnerable communities.
According to State House, President Ruto will also take part in side meetings with key global leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. These talks aim to strengthen international collaboration in food security, climate adaptation, and economic growth.
The summit, hosted in Addis Ababa, brings together global heads of state and development partners to evaluate progress since the inaugural 2021 summit. Countries are expected to renew their commitments and propose new actions in response to ongoing food crises driven by climate change, conflict, and rising costs.
President Ruto’s trip signals Kenya’s growing role in global climate and food policy dialogue, with a focus on securing long-term resilience through sustainable agriculture and diplomatic cooperation across the region.
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