Kenya and Austria have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in key areas including human resource development, multilateral diplomacy, and global peacebuilding efforts.
This mutual resolve was made during bilateral talks between President William Ruto and Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, held on the sidelines of the ongoing 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The two leaders underscored the importance of a strong Kenya-Austria partnership that brings mutual benefit to both countries and contributes to regional and global stability.
“Kenya and Austria are committed to building a strong partnership that delivers mutual benefit to our peoples,” said President Ruto after the meeting.
A central focus of the discussions was the expansion of cooperation in human resource development, particularly through education, vocational training, and knowledge exchange programs that empower citizens and enhance national productivity.
“We are determined to expand cooperation in human resource development so that our people can realise their full potential,” President Ruto added.
The leaders also emphasized the need to strengthen multilateral engagement, especially in light of ongoing global conflicts and the need for collective action to address shared challenges such as climate change, migration, and peacekeeping.
They jointly called for comprehensive reforms within the United Nations system, particularly the UN Security Council, to ensure that it becomes more effective, inclusive, and representative of today’s geopolitical realities.
“We reaffirmed our resolve to work closely in addressing conflict, strengthening multilateral engagement, and championing reforms within the United Nations to make it more effective, inclusive, and responsive to today’s challenges,” said President Ruto.
Austria acknowledged Kenya’s leading role in regional peacebuilding and mediation efforts, especially in the Horn of Africa, while Kenya commended Austria for its contributions to global climate action, humanitarian assistance, and international development cooperation.
The bilateral talks took place as world leaders gather in New York for the UNGA, where key topics on the agenda include global security, sustainable development, climate resilience, and UN reform.
Kenya and Austria have maintained strong diplomatic relations since 1964, marked by collaboration in areas such as trade, environmental protection, healthcare, and education.
The meeting in New York signals a renewed commitment to elevate this partnership to new heights.
As the two nations look ahead, the leaders agreed to pursue more structured dialogue and institutional cooperation frameworks to ensure sustained progress and shared prosperity.
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