President Ruto jets off to London for Queen’s funeral, 77th UNGA session in New York
President William Ruto has today morning jetted off for his first foreign trip since assuming office to the United Kingdom to attend funeral service of the late Queen Elizabeth ii before proceeding to New York for the 77th United Nations General Assembly in the United States of America.
The President departed from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Ruto a few minutes past 8.00 am.
According to Buckingham Palace, the Queen, who died on September 8, will be buried tomorrow September 19.
It is expected the President will be hosted for dinner by King Charles III and will also attend a World Leaders Service today evening.
“Strengthening ties with the international community will catalyse the transformation of our country. Departed for London, UK to attend Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s burial. Later I will join world leaders for the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly, New York.” President Ruto said on his Twitter handle.
According to Diplomacy and Foreign Relations expert Kinyuru Munuhe, the two visits are critical in articulating the diplomatic orientation of Kenya for his new administration.
“This being the first foreign trip by His Excellency the President Dr. William Ruto since assuming office is very remarkable and essential in not only giving the country’s diplomatic orientation of his new administration internationally as the diplomat number one in his capacity as the Head of State and government but also setting stage for the economic reform agenda for this country. Remember the Kenya is servicing huge foreign debt and this may offer opportunity to re-negotiate the terms of such obligations.” Kinyuru said while speaking exclusively to The Informer.
While in New York, Ruto is expected to hold talks with President Joe Biden, and also meet captains of the American Chamber of commerce.
“On the sidelines of the two events; that is the funeral service of the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 77) which opened on Tuesday, 13 September 2022, President Ruto would seek solidify the existing bilateral and multilateral relations.” Kinyuru added.
Among the issues the annual meeting will be tackling are the promotion of sustained economic growth, international peace and security, promotion of human rights and the development of Africa.
Besides President Ruto, other global leaders expected to grace the ceremony include; South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, Gabon’s President Ali Bongo, US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden, Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand among others.
Countries such as Russia, Belarus and Afghanistan have not been invited.
Leaders from across the Commonwealth, of which the Queen served as head her entire reign, are also expected to attend.
Other monarchs and religious and cultural figures will also be in attendance.
After the Queen’s death, her eldest son King Charles III was proclaimed King.
He will be hosting thousands of foreign leaders visiting for the Queen’s funeral.
The Queen’s funeral is expected to be one of the most historic and memorable in the 21st Century.
