President Ruto leaves the country for Italy, Switzerland

President William Ruto on Thursday evening departed the country for the 50th G7 summit in Italy, and another a peace summit in Switzerland.

A communique from State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said Ruto will first attend the G7 summit to be held in Apulia, Italy, before later flying to Switzerland for the first summit on peace in Ukraine.

Mohamed said the Head of State is expected to speak on the continent’s unity and its leadership role in advocating for a fairer international financial system AS WELL AS matters surrounding effective global challenges.

“At both summits, President Ruto will speak on African leaders' commitment to fostering a prosperous world through a fairer international financial system, a more representative and effective multilateral system, and the critical importance of collectively addressing global challenges,” said Mohamed.

In Italy, Ruto will emphasize the importance of collaborating with African countries to find solutions to global challenges such as climate change and conflicts and reiterate the need for reforms to achieve a fairer international financial system.

“He will also highlight Africa's potential for green industrialisation, digital revolution, and innovation,” added the State House Spokesperson.

President Ruto’s position as the African Union (AU) Champion for Institutional Reform, will see him outlining the AU reforms aimed at enhancing trade and development, peace and stability, and greater global participation.

The President will on Sunday then join other Heads of State and Government in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where they will discuss a common path towards achieving peace in Ukraine.

Ruto is also expected to voice the negative impacts of the Russian-Ukranian conflict as well as other global conflicts, and at the same time offer solutions informed by Kenya's experiences in mediation and peacebuilding on the continent.

“The President will also advocate for a reformed, more representative, democratic, and effective United Nations system to address global peace and security challenges better,” stated Mohamed. 

Similarly, the President will hold several bilateral talks with various Heads of State and Government on the sidelines of both summits.