Kenya and Angola Collaborate to Resume Direct Flights and Strengthen Diplomatic Relations
Kenya and Angola have announced a collaborative effort to ensure the resumption of direct flights from Kenya Airways to Luanda, Angola, starting in March of this year.
This positive development was revealed following a significant meeting between President William Ruto of Kenya and President João Lourenço of Angola at the Angolan presidential palace in Luanda on Wednesday. This initiative marks an important milestone in enhancing the diplomatic and economic relationship between the two nations. In addition to the flight reinstatement, Angola has committed to waiving visa requirements for Kenyan visitors, reciprocating Kenya's previous gesture of easing travel restrictions. This decision is expected to facilitate easier access for Kenyans traveling to Angola, particularly benefiting professionals such as teachers. President Ruto highlighted the importance of this move, stating, “This move will enable our professionals like teachers to access Angola much more easily.”
During their discussions, the two leaders addressed several critical issues affecting the African continent, including the pursuit of peace in the Great Lakes region, necessary institutional reforms within the African Union, and the upcoming elections for the chairperson of the African Union Commission scheduled for next month. President Ruto, who has been entrusted by fellow African heads of state to lead the charge for AU reforms, extended an invitation to President Lourenço for a retreat in Kenya later this month, which will serve as a precursor to the AU Heads of State Summit in February.
Regarding the Luanda Process for Peace in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, both leaders acknowledged the importance of convening a joint meeting between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) to strengthen this initiative. President Ruto emphasized, “Peace and security in our continent is of paramount importance to us all, and we are keen to have a process that incorporates all and ensures its success.” Additionally, President Ruto sought President Lourenço’s support for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in his bid for the position of chairperson of the AU Commission.
President Ruto arrived in Luanda on Tuesday evening after attending the inauguration of President John Mahama in Accra, Ghana. During this visit, he and President Lourenço also explored avenues to enhance trade relations between their two countries, aiming to bolster economic cooperation. Accompanying President Ruto were several key officials, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who also serves as the Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, as well as Governors Anne Waiguru of Kirinyaga and Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay, Mandera Senator Ali Roba, and Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku. This delegation underscores the significance of the discussions held and the potential for strengthened bilateral ties between Kenya and Angola.
