Ruto to visit Japan in February to bolster bilateral ties

President William Ruto will in February pay an official visit to Japan.

This will be his maiden visit to the Asian nation since he became President.

Ruto last visited Japan in 2013 as Deputy President during the Fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V).

The visit, scheduled to take place from February 6 to February 9, 2024, will see Ruto accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto, make a State Call on Their Majesties the Emperor Naruhito and Empress of Japan Masako.

Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan will also host a Court Luncheon in honor of Ruto and First Lady Rachel.

Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio will hold a summit with Ruto during the visit.

The PM and Mrs Kishida will also host a dinner for Ruto and Rachel.

"The Government of Japan sincerely welcomes the visit of President Ruto and First Lady Rachel and hopes that this visit will further strengthen the friendly relations between Japan and the Republic of Kenya," a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan said.

Bilateral talks

During their stay in Japan, Ruto will visit Tokyo and Aichi where further development between both countries’ regional exchange is expected to be discussed.

PM Kishida last year in May held bilateral talks with Ruto during a visit to Kenya where the two held bilateral talks focused on strengthening and enriching the two nations' relations.

Kishida and his host discussed mutually beneficial commercial and economic partnerships, education and scholarships as well as infrastructural development.