Mudavadi, Rubio hold talks on trade and security

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, U.S. Secretary of State Senator Marco Rubio held bilateral talks in Washington. [Courtesy]

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and US Secretary of State Senator Marco Rubi on Thursday, May 8, held a bilateral meeting to discuss matters of mutual strategic interest between Kenya and the United States.

According to Mudavadi, the discussions focused on peace and security, deepening trade and investment ties, and strengthening diplomatic cooperation, reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between the two nations.

"In Washington, D.C., I held a high-level meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State, Senator Rubio, where we discussed regional peace and security, expanded trade and investment, and deepened diplomatic engagement. We emphasised the need to fast-track the Kenya-U.S. Free Trade Agreement."

"I also briefed the U.S. on the ongoing East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC)-led peace efforts in the DRC, including the involvement of five Heads of State," said Mudavadi in a statement.

On their end, the United States reiterated its support for the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti and acknowledged Kenya's principled leadership in promoting international peace and stability.

The US also committed to supporting these initiatives in coordination with the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), aiming to foster lasting solutions to regional conflicts.

Both leaders underscored the importance of collaboration on regional security programs, including intelligence sharing, border control, and combating extremist groups.