Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Invites Ruto to Ukraine After Sealing Grain Deal
President William Ruto has been invited to visit Kyiv by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the European nation consolidates diplomatic support amid its protracted conflict with Russia.
Zelenskyy extended his invitation during a meeting in New York where the two sealed a grain importation deal that will help Kenya accomplish its goal of achieving food security.
“I want to invite you (Ruto) with your team to come to at any available time to Kyiv. I think we have topics to discuss about,” Zelenskyy said in a statement.
Tuesday, September 19th, the two leaders discussed and agreed to develop a grain depot that will supply cereals to the entire East Africa region.
Ruto stated that Ukraine is a significant exporter of wheat and that Kenya is one of the largest importers of cereal from the European nation, despite the ongoing conflict that has disrupted exports.
“In New York, the United States held talks with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who committed to establishing a grain hub in the Port of Mombasa to address food shortage in East Africa,” Ruto stated.
The Head of State also thanked the Ukrainian President for his country’s response to Kenyan requirements through the Grain from Ukraine humanitarian program.
The Grain from Ukraine Program provides cereal to war-affected nations. Under this program, the first ship transporting Ukrainian grain arrived in Kenya in March 2023.
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The ship was carrying thirty thousand tons of wheat, enough to sustain two million people for one and a half months.
According to Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Alfred Mutua, who witnessed the meeting in New York, the Port of Mombasa grain supply depot will also contribute to the socioeconomic stability of the drought-ravaged East African region.
“I Joined President William Ruto as he held talks with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United States General Assembly in New York.
“The two Leaders stressed the importance of Ukraine establishing a grain hub at the port of Mombasa aimed at addressing food shortage in the East African region among other issues of mutual importance,” Mutua stated.
The Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs remarked that the center will contribute to a more stable and reliable supply of Ukrainian grain to Kenya and other African nations.
Mutua stated that Ukraine’s decision to furnish Kenya with grain is significant for multiple reasons. He noted that the capacity will ensure Kenyans have access to inexpensive sustenance.
The capacity will also support the Kenyan economy since the wheat milling industry is one of the largest employers in Kenya, and it relies on imported wheat.
The Port of Mombasa Grain Supply Depot will also decrease Kenya’s reliance on food from other nations.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Invites Ruto to Ukraine After Sealing Grain Deal
