President William Ruto met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa on Sunday, July 28, 2025, for high-level bilateral talks ahead of the Second United Nations Food Systems Summit. The meeting took place at the National Palace shortly after Ruto’s arrival and was centered on enhancing Kenya-Ethiopia relations and addressing shared regional priorities.
President Ruto was received at the Bole International Airport by Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh before proceeding to the National Palace for discussions with Prime Minister Abiy.
In a statement following the meeting, Prime Minister Abiy said their talks focused on strengthening bilateral ties and deepening regional cooperation. “Also received H.E. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, for bilateral talks ahead of the Second United Nations Food Systems Summit, which Ethiopia is co-hosting. Our discussions focused on bilateral relations as well as regional issues of mutual interest,” Abiy stated.
The two leaders emphasized collaboration on food security, trade, infrastructure development, climate action, and the need for enhanced multilateral diplomacy. The meeting underscored the pivotal role that Kenya and Ethiopia play as key players in the Horn of Africa and their shared commitment to regional stability and development.
President Ruto is scheduled to deliver Kenya’s national statement at the UN Food Systems Summit, reaffirming the country’s commitment to transforming food systems to support sustainable development and climate resilience.
During the summit, Ruto will also participate in a series of high-level thematic engagements with global leaders, development partners, and private sector representatives. His goal is to secure stronger partnerships for Kenya in areas such as agricultural innovation, investment in sustainable food systems, and green infrastructure.
On the sidelines of the summit, President Ruto is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf. These engagements aim to bolster diplomatic and economic cooperation while promoting regional integration within Africa.
The meeting between Ruto and Abiy reaffirms Kenya and Ethiopia’s enduring partnership and their joint commitment to addressing pressing challenges in the region through diplomacy, trade, and sustainable development.
