Unlocking trade: Kenya, Congo signs 18 bilateral agreements

President William Ruto has witnessed the signing of 18 bilateral agreements and MoUs in Congo.

Ruto said the agreements will go a long way in unlocking the huge trade potential and expanding their economic welfare.

It included partnerships on trade and investment, energy, ICT, transport, security, education, tourism, culture, agriculture, and the blue economy among others.

"The ties with the Republic of Congo provide us with a unique opportunity to reinvigorate our bilateral relations, and reaffirm our steadfast commitment to multilateralism and our unwavering unity of purpose as Africans," Ruto said on Saturday.

He is in the Republic of Congo on an official visit.

President Denis Sassou N'Guesso was also present during the ceremony held at the Palais du Peuple in Brazzaville.

Ruto also announced that Kenya and Congo have agreed to abolish visa restrictions to ease movement.

The move, he said, will enhance integration and boost trade.

The head of state also disclosed during the meeting that Kenya is working towards restoring direct flights between Nairobi and Brazzaville.

During the meeting, MoUs on cooperation in the oil and gas, agriculture and livestock, micro and small enterprises, mining industries and geology, diplomatic training, and promotion of cooperatives were also signed.

Ruto is on a two-day visit to the West African country.

Meanwhile, the president has given an undertaking that Kenya will establish a conducive environment where entrepreneurs can freely invest under the African Free Continental Trade Area framework.

Speaking during a business forum that brought together Kenyan and Congolese investors, Ruto also called on the investors from the country to take advantage of their close relations.

"Take advantage of our ties to expand trade volumes that will spur growth and broaden economic opportunities for the people," he said.