President William Ruto, in a bid to foster enhanced collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Africa, has underscored the pivotal role of joint efforts in developing and sustainably exploiting clean energy resources. The President emphasized that the combined hydrocarbon and green energy reservoirs of both Africa and Saudi Arabia hold considerable promise, capable of addressing the present and future global energy requirements.
Speaking at a forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, President Ruto articulated the potential for collective action to deliver effective solutions to the pressing global climate crisis. "If we work together," he asserted, "we can provide the world with effective solutions to the global climate crisis."
President Ruto further expressed Africa's keen interest in strengthening trade and investment partnerships with Arab nations, emphasizing the importance of such collaborations in fostering regional and global stability. He urged Arab nations to explore investment opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement, positioning Kenya as a gateway for such endeavors. "This emerging market is hungry for development and abounds with attractive investment opportunities," he added.
Recognizing the integral role of education, training, and human capital development in sustaining productivity and competitiveness, the Head of State highlighted the necessity for collaborative efforts in these domains. President Ruto proposed a concerted effort between Africa and Saudi Arabia to address contemporary security threats and conflicts in neighboring states, envisioning a cooperative initiative to establish a vast belt of peace, security, stability, and prosperity spanning the Middle East and Africa.
The forum witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Comoros President and Chairperson of the African Union Azali Assoumani, Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki. This gathering of influential leaders further underscored the significance of the discussions surrounding collaboration between Africa and Saudi Arabia in various domains, from energy to trade and security.