Gen Kabarebe, who is also President Paul Kagame's Special Envoy, held wide-ranging discussions with President Ruto, reaffirming the warm and enduring ties between Kenya and Rwanda.
'We held a productive meeting reaffirming the strong and growing ties between our two nations,' President Ruto said in a statement.
'Our discussions covered a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, with a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in peace and security, trade, and regional integration.'
The meeting comes amid continued efforts by both countries to deepen collaboration across political, economic, and security sectors. Kenya and Rwanda, longstanding partners within the East African Community (EAC), enjoy cordial relations rooted in history and shared aspirations for regional stability and prosperity.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries date back to 1965, with Kenya establishing its mission in Kigali in 1986.
Over the years, the two nations have signed numerous Memoranda of Understanding under the Joint Permanent Commission framework, spanning key areas such as air transport, education, agriculture, security, governance, civil service, immigration, justice, and correctional services.
Economic ties between Kenya and Rwanda have also grown significantly. Kenya remains a critical trade partner and a vital transit route for Rwanda's imports and exports through the port of Mombasa.
In return, Rwanda offers a stable and attractive destination for Kenyan businesses, with Kenyan companies active in sectors including banking, insurance, construction, agribusiness, education, aviation, and tourism.
Currently, more than 6,000 Kenyans live and work in Rwanda.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
