Kenyan president William Ruto arrives in Juba for 1-day state visit

JUBA – Kenya’s newly-elected president William Samoei Ruto has just arrived at Juba International Airport for a one-day state visit to South Sudan, according to several government officials who have direct knowledge of Ruto’s trip.

According to one presidency official, Ruto who is accompanied by senior Kenyan government officials will discuss with President Salva Kiir Mayardit bilateral ties between the two countries and also the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.

“The president of the Republic of Kenya H.E William Samoei Ruto has just arrived in the country and he was received at Juba International Airport by his brother, President Salva Kiir Mayardit, just moments ago,” the official said on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the media.

“He will discuss with President Salva Kiir the bilateral relations between our two sisterly states and also the support of Kenya in the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement signed in September 2018,” the official further added.

Another official separately told Sudans Post that the meeting between the two countries will also touch on cross-border trade and dispute especially in Eastern Equatoria state where Kenyan herders have reportedly breached South Sudan borders.

“They will also discuss the border disputes in Eastern Equatoria and Kenya and also the cross-border trade between the two countries and how to resolve them peacefully without taking the two countries to further misunderstanding,” the official said.