Macron and Ruto Exchange Invites to Forthcoming Summits: A Diplomatic Dance of Perspectives and Priorities

PARIS/NAIROBI – In a bid to address pressing global concerns and strengthen bilateral relations, French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta are set to host separate summits on environmental issues and financial inclusion, respectively, in the coming weeks.

Taking place in their respective capitals, the summits will bring together government officials, business leaders, and civil society representatives from around the world to generate innovative ideas and commitments in tackling climate change and promoting financial accessibility.

Under the theme of environmental sustainability, President Macron will convene the summit in Paris on June 17-18. With France being one of the earliest signatories of the Paris Agreement in 2015, President Macron has consistently advocated for urgent global action against climate change. The summit aims to highlight France’s unwavering commitment to combating this global challenge and explore collaborative solutions with key stakeholders.

Similarly, President Kenyatta will play host to the financial inclusion summit in Nairobi on June 21-22. Recognizing the significance of inclusive financial services, both President Kenyatta and President Macron have expressed their dedication to ensuring equitable access to financial resources. In 2017, France launched the Inclusive Finance for Growth Initiative, targeting the provision of financial services to one billion people by 2022. Kenya, on the other hand, has made substantial strides in financial inclusion, boasting over 50 million mobile money accounts in 2018.

Beyond the thematic focus, the summits also present an opportunity for France and Kenya to strengthen their bilateral ties. France currently serves as Kenya’s largest trading partner in Europe, and the two nations have a longstanding history of collaboration in various sectors including security, education, and healthcare. The leaders will seize this occasion to engage in bilateral meetings, with a particular emphasis on bolstering economic and security cooperation.

These high-profile gatherings signify France’s growing recognition of Africa’s importance on the global stage. Seeking to maintain its influence on the continent, France aims to demonstrate its commitment to partnering with African nations on critical issues. The summits mark a milestone in advancing cooperation and engagement between France and Kenya, as well as fostering multilateral collaboration on pressing global concerns.

As the summits draw near, anticipation builds among attendees, who hope to witness groundbreaking initiatives and proactive measures to address the challenges of climate change and financial inclusion. The world will be watching as France and Kenya lead the way in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future.