Kenya Airways is set to resume direct flights to Luanda, Angola, starting this March, a move that underscores the deepening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
This announcement was made following a meeting between President William Ruto and his Angolan counterpart João Lourenço at the presidential palace in Luanda on Wednesday.
“This development will greatly enhance connectivity and foster stronger trade and investment opportunities between our countries,” said President Ruto.
Visa waiver for Kenyans visiting Angola
In a significant gesture of reciprocity, Angola has committed to waiving visa requirements for Kenyans visiting the country. This comes after Kenya’s earlier decision to remove visa requirements for Angolan citizens.
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Focus on African unity and peace
The discussions between the two leaders extended beyond bilateral relations to broader issues affecting the African continent.
Key topics included institutional reforms of the African Union (AU), peace in the Great Lakes region, and the upcoming election of the AU Commission chairperson.
President Ruto, tasked by fellow African heads of State to champion AU reforms, invited President Lourenço to a retreat in Kenya later this month in preparation for the AU Heads of State Summit in February.
On the Luanda Process for Peace in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the leaders emphasised the importance of collaboration between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC).
Support for AU leadership bid
President Ruto also sought Angola’s support for former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the position of AU Commission chairperson.
Enhanced trade relations
Trade relations between Kenya and Angola were another focal point of the talks. Both leaders expressed optimism about increasing bilateral trade and investment opportunities.
President Ruto was accompanied by key Kenyan leaders, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Governors Anne Waiguru and Gladys Wanga, Mandera Senator Ali Roba, and Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku.