Kenya Airways to resume direct flights to Luanda from March
The two nations also revealed plans to ease travel restrictions, with Angola pledging to waive visa requirements for Kenyan visitors, reciprocating Kenya’s earlier gesture.
Kenya and Angola have agreed to facilitate the resumption of Kenya Airways’ direct flights to Luanda starting in March 2025, marking a significant milestone in deepening diplomatic and economic ties.
The announcement was made following a meeting on Wednesday between President William Ruto and his Angolan counterpart, João Lourenço, at the Angolan presidential palace in Luanda.
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The two nations also revealed plans to ease travel restrictions, with Angola pledging to waive visa requirements for Kenyan visitors, reciprocating Kenya’s earlier gesture.
President Ruto highlighted the importance of this move, saying it would allow Kenyan professionals, including teachers, to access Angola with greater ease.
“We welcome Angola's decision to work with Kenya in facilitating the resumption of Kenya Airways' direct flights to Luanda from March. Coupled with the reciprocal waiver of visa requirements for Kenyans, this will strengthen bilateral ties and expand opportunities for enhanced cooperation and mutual benefits,” he said.
Kenya Airways planes are seen parked at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport near Nairobi, Kenya March 6, 2019. (Reuters)
The leaders also discussed key continental issues such as peace in the Great Lakes region, reforms in the African Union (AU), and the upcoming AU Commission chairperson elections.
Ruto, who has been tasked with leading AU reforms, extended an invitation to President Lourenço for a retreat in Kenya later this month, ahead of the AU Heads of State Summit scheduled for February.
On the Luanda Process for Peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, both presidents emphasised the need for a joint meeting between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) to harmonise peace efforts.
Ruto stressed the urgency of a collaborative approach to ensuring stability across the continent.
Additionally, the Head of State sought Angola’s support for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the position of AU Commission chairperson.
Ruto, who arrived in Luanda on Tuesday evening after attending President John Mahama’s inauguration in Ghana, also explored ways to enhance trade relations between Kenya and Angola.
He was accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Governors Anne Waiguru and Gladys Wanga, Mandera Senator Ali Roba, and Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku.
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