Kenya's Ruto secures Putin's pledge to halt military recruitment, expand ties
- Russian president agrees to facilitate return of Kenyan recruits as leaders discuss labor agreements, scholarships, economic cooperation
Yükleniyor…
Yükleniyor…
- Russian president agrees to facilitate return of Kenyan recruits as leaders discuss labor agreements, scholarships, economic cooperation
By Andrew Wasike
NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Kenyan President William Ruto held talks Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow, securing a commitment to halt the recruitment of Kenyan nationals into the Russian military and strengthen relations.
"Thanked President Putin for confirming that Kenyans will no longer be enlisted into the Russian military because Kenya has been categorized as a non-source country for recruitment into the Russian military," Ruto said in a statement.
The agreement addresses concerns about Kenyans joining Russian forces amid Moscow's war with Ukraine.
Ruto said he appointed a defense attache to Kenya's Embassy in Moscow to coordinate with the Russian Defense Ministry on the repatriation and compensation of Kenyans recruited for military purposes.
The official will also facilitate their safe return home.
The meeting followed the Russia-Africa Summit, where Moscow sought to strengthen diplomatic and economic partnerships across the continent.
The two leaders agreed to negotiate a labor agreement that would allow Kenyans to live and work in Russia.
They also discussed increasing Russian scholarships for Kenyan students from 70 to 300 in healthcare, artificial intelligence, aviation, technology and cybersecurity.
Ruto said Putin pledged support for expanding the United Nations Office in Nairobi, the UN's only headquarters in the developing world.
Kenya and Russia signed five cooperation instruments covering economic relations, employment promotion, labor inspection, transport, diplomatic training and visa-free travel for diplomatic and service passport holders.
The agreements include establishing an intergovernmental commission to coordinate economic cooperation between the two countries.
Ruto also invited Putin to Kenya as both governments seek to deepen diplomatic engagements.
Andrew Wasike