Kenya and Azerbaijan enjoy cordial diplomatic relations founded on a shared commitment to progress and mutual prosperity. We are exploring strategic areas of partnership to unlock the vast potential for cooperation between our two nations and expand opportunities for our people. Held talks with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan at the Baku Olympic Stadium, on the sidelines of the World Urban Forum in Baku. Our discussions focused on fostering collaboration in the oil and gas sector, investments to scale up our affordable housing programme, and renewable energy partnerships to support our target of generating 10,000MW of power. We also discussed Azerbaijan’s interest in the proposed oil refinery project aimed at serving the East African region. Additionally, we explored broader trade and investment opportunities, with a focus on securing markets for Kenyan tea and horticultural products, and other agricultural exports.(William Samoei Ruto, PhD)