President Salva Kiir and President William Ruto pose for a photo after a meeting on Saturday. August 19, 2023. (Kenya gov).

President Salva Kiir and Kenya’s President William Ruto have agreed on boosting trade and strengthening bilateral cooperation including implementation of the LAPSSET projects and a deal for South Sudan to import fiber optic.

Kiir jetted to Nairobi Saturday with four ministers to hold bilateral talks with the Ruto administration.

According to a press release from the Kenyan government website, President William Ruto said the two countries are pursuing joint infrastructure projects to enhance regional integration and boost trade.

Speaking at State House in Nairobi, Ruto reportedly said his country is keen on implementing the infrastructural projects under the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport Corridor initiative (LAPSSET).

“President Kiir and I had the opportunity to share ideas about collaborating to seize emerging opportunities to improve the trade balance between our two nations,” Ruto said.

The statement adds: “The two leaders signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of a fiber optic cable along the Eldoret-Juba Road.”

“They also agreed to complete the construction of the 11km Nadapal to Nakodok road to boost business between the two nations. President Ruto said Kenya and South Sudan have also agreed to exploit the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement to increase trade between the two nations.”

On his part, President Kiir said he is committed to hastening the implementation of the agreements to unlock the economic and social benefits of increased trade.

The two leaders also discussed peace and security in Africa and the conflict in Sudan.

“President Kiir pledged to support efforts to de-escalate armed engagements and restore peace in Sudan. President Ruto lauded the decision by the Government of South Sudan to open its borders to provide asylum, safe passage and protection to people fleeing the conflict in Sudan.”