Ruto: Saudi Arabia and Africa to bolster collaboration in areas of shared interest
National
By
PCS
| Nov 11, 2023
President William Ruto has called for enhanced collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Africa in the development and sustainable exploitation of clean energy.
The President observed that the region's combined hydrocarbon and green energy resources hold promise for meeting current and future energy demands.
"This will also support effective responses to the global crisis," he said.
He made the remarks at the first Saudi-African Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Head of State said Africa is keen on forging a stronger trade and investment partnership with Arab nations to foster regional and global stability.
He appealed to Arab nations to explore investment opportunities in the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement and make Kenya their gateway.
"This emerging market is hungry for development, yet abounds with attractive investment opportunities," he added.
He urged Saudi Arabia to invest its capital in African financial institutions, enhancing the continent's ability to withstand economic turbulence.
Through partnership in education, training, and human capital development, the President underscored Saudi Arabia and Africa's joint effort to cultivate skilled workers, promoting sustained productivity and competitiveness.
He said the two parties will work together to confront contemporary security threats as well as the outbreak of conflict and war in neighbouring states.
"I see much potential for us to strengthen our complementarities in this sphere and institute a vast belt of peace, security, stability, and prosperity covering the Middle East and Africa," he said.
Present were Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud, Crown Prince, and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Comoros President and Chairperson of the African Union Azali Assoumani, Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit and Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki among others.