President William Ruto has noted that despite the complex and transformational partnership between Kenya and Israel, trade volumes between the two countries are still very low.

While emphasising the need to deepen the ties between Kenya and Israel, Ruto expressed his satisfaction with the progress made so far and discussed ways to strengthen the relationship.

"The Kenya-Israel ties have evolved into a complex and transformational partnership. Yet, trade volumes between the two countries remain acutely low.," Ruto said.

"We will seize every opportunity to eliminate any barriers to movement — anchored on a robust framework — so as to exploit our huge trade and investment potential."

Ruto was speaking on Tuesday after having a working lunch with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Jerusalem office.

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"Had a working lunch with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his office in Jerusalem, Israel," Ruto said.

Earlier, Ruto met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog at his residence in Jerusalem, where they agreed to expand cooperation in trade, agriculture, security, and technology.

"Met the President of Israel Isaac Herzog at his Residence in Jerusalem; agreed to expand our cooperation in trade, agriculture, security and technology," Ruto said.

William Ruto and Isaac Herzog. PHOTO/COURTESY

The two leaders discussed the need to strengthen the uniquely strong, deep, and warm relationship between the two countries, with a special focus on agriculture.

Ruto said partnership between Kenya and Israel in agriculture is expected to result in increased productivity and more sustainable agricultural practices, with Israel's advanced farming technology and techniques playing a key role.

"We are broadening this friendship — with a special focus on agriculture — to efficiently produce more to feed our people and export the surplus. Israel's modern farming technology will sustainably drive this hugely transformational agenda," said Ruto.

Additionally, the expansion of cooperation in trade, security, and technology is expected to benefit both nations, promoting economic growth and improved security.

Both leaders agreed to pursue a progressive regime that will enhance cooperation, improve connectivity, and broaden the range of Kenya's exports that can access the Israeli market.

"We reached an agreement to pursue a progressive regime that will deepen cooperation, enhance connectivity and broaden the range of Kenya’s exports that deserve to reach the Israel domestic market," he disclosed.

This move is expected to unlock Kenya's huge trade and investment potential and eliminate any barriers to movement between the two countries.