Andrzej Duda is on a six-day trip to Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania that focuses on political talks and efforts to enhance business ties, according to officials.
On Monday morning, Duda held talks with Kenya's President William Ruto on "tightening bilateral relations, strengthening economic cooperation and international security," the Polish President's Office said.
'Significant economic potential'
After the talks, Duda voiced hope that his visit to Kenya would serve as a catalyst for the development of Polish-Kenyan economic cooperation, along with advancements in science and research, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.
During a joint news conference with the Kenyan leader, Duda highlighted that his visit marked the first trip by a Polish president to Kenya in the 61 years since the two countries established diplomatic relations.
He told reporters that the trip held "significant economic potential" for both nations.
Duda added that his talks with Ruto addressed "economic issues, development directions and future prospects."
He outlined various areas for potential cooperation between both countries, including agriculture and rural development, the dairy sector, environmental protection technology, renewable energy, modern tax policy, banking, and medical services.
'Dramatic impact of Russia's war in Ukraine'
He said the topics discussed also included "the situation beyond Poland's eastern border resulting from Russia's aggression in Ukraine."
He added that he had briefed Ruto on "the dramatic impact of Russia's war in Ukraine and its effect on the global food and energy markets."
Duda also said that he invited the Kenyan president to visit Poland.
"I hope that my visit to Kenya, the first by a Polish president, will serve as a catalyst for further cooperation, sparking significant advancements in economic collaboration and joint efforts in science and research," Duda said. "I look forward to reciprocating this momentum with the Kenyan president's future visit to Poland," he added.
Poland is 'a valued partner': Kenyan president
Meanwhile, Ruto told reporters that Poland is viewed as "a valued partner" in Kenya. "We share common values, ambitions and aspirations that guide our present and future relations," he remarked.
"We are jointly endeavouring to enhance trade and economic collaboration, and we are making strides in agriculture, food safety, climate protection and initiatives aimed at fostering multilateral development," the Kenyan president added, as quoted by Poland's PAP news agency.
Later in the day, Duda and Ruto were scheduled to attend a Polish-Kenyan business forum.
Polish presidential aide Małgorzata Paprocka told public broadcaster Polish Radio on Monday morning that Duda's visit to East Africa would focus on political talks, "but also business deals and efforts to promote the Polish economy, investment and trade."
In the evening, the president, accompanied by First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda, is expected to meet with members of the Polish community in Nairobi, the PAP news agency reported.
On Tuesday, the Polish presidential couple will visit the Fire and Rescue Training Centre in Kiambu near Nairobi, according to officials.
On Wednesday, Duda will head to Rwanda, where he will spend two days. On Friday, the Polish president and first lady will visit Tanzania, officials told reporters.
(gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, prezydent.pl
Click on the audio player above for a report by Radio Poland's Michał Owczarek.