Kenya's president affirms deep ties with Madagascar during 66th Independence Day celebrations

Written by: Mohamed Ragab

Kenyan President William Ruto participated in the celebrations marking the 66th anniversary of Madagascar’s independence, held at the Barea Stadium in the capital Antananarivo, stressing the depth of the historical relations that unite the two countries, and Nairobi’s keenness to enhance cooperation with Madagascar in various economic, maritime and developmental fields.

Ruto, speaking on the sidelines of the celebrations, said that Kenya identifies with Madagascar's journey towards independence, noting that the two countries share a common history of resisting colonialism and fighting for self-determination.

A shared history of resistance against colonialism

The Kenyan president affirmed that the shared historical experience between the two countries still forms the basis of bilateral relations, explaining that the values of sovereignty, national unity and independence remain key elements in the African countries’ journey towards development and stability.

He added that this shared heritage reinforces the conviction that the future of the African continent must be based on cooperation and integration among its countries, in order to contribute to achieving development and prosperity for its people.

Praise for the resilience of the Malagasy people

Ruto praised the resilience of the Malagasy people and the achievements made by Madagascar since independence, considering the celebration of the sixty-sixth anniversary as an occasion to honor the sacrifices of the past and celebrate the ongoing efforts to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.

He pointed out that this occasion is not limited to commemorating national liberation, but also reflects the aspirations of the Malagasy people to achieve further progress and prosperity and improve the standard of living of citizens.

Growing economic and maritime partnership

The Kenyan president affirmed that his country values its historical relations with Madagascar and is committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation in a way that serves the interests of both peoples, noting the importance of expanding trade and investment between the two countries.

He also stressed the need to develop maritime cooperation, improve connectivity and transportation, and take advantage of the great economic potential offered by the Indian Ocean, as a strategic gateway for trade, innovation and joint development.

The Indian Ocean: A Gateway for Shared Development

Ruto believes that the Indian Ocean region has great opportunities to enhance economic integration among African countries, stressing that regional cooperation can contribute to creating new opportunities for investment and trade and achieving shared prosperity.

The Kenyan president concluded his remarks by emphasizing the continued joint work between Nairobi and Antananarivo to deepen the bilateral partnership and enhance cooperation in various sectors, in order to support development and stability in both countries and the African continent in general.