President William Ruto met several presidents and world leaders on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) in New York, United States.

Ruto held discussions with Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama about Africa’s economic future.

The two leaders agreed that Africa must take bold steps to fortify its financial systems to empress sustainable growth.

“Among the proposals was a call for our countries to place at least 30 percent of our foreign exchange reserves in African financial institutions,” said Ruto.

Ruto explained that this move is the surest path to build Africa’s economic resilience and unlocking it’s vast potential for shared prosperity.

Ruto Meets Azerbaijan President

Ruto also met the Azerbaijan president on the sidelines of the 80th session of UNGA in New York.

The duo reaffirmed their commitment and strengthening relations focusing on expanding cooperation in trade and investment, energy, agriculture and information technology.

“We reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening relations and expanding cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, energy, agriculture, and information technology,” said Ruto.

Ruto use the opportunity to welcome Azerbaijan’s decision to open an embassy in Nairobi.

He said the move is a sign of genuine commitment to strengthen their partnership.

Ruto Meets Congressman Brian Mast

Ruto also met the Congressman Brian Mast, chair of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs at the Kenya Permanent Mission to the United Nations, New York.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expand trade and investment relations and security of movement of goods.

Ruto said the U.S is bound by diplomatic ties and provides mutual benefits that help to promote peace and security in Africa.

“We value its partnership in promoting peace and security in the Horn of Africa and commend its support for the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti,” he said.

Ruto Meets The Executive Chairman of ENDA Group Companies

Ruto also met the Executive chairman of the ENDA Group of Companies Nana Baffour.

The duo discussed how they would etablish a  production base in Kenya.

ENDA is a global manufacturer of sports shoes and apparel.

According to Ruto, the company has expressed interest in marketing its brand by sponsoring Kenyan athletes.

“I invited ENDA, a global manufacturer of sports shoes and apparel, to explore opportunities to establish its production base in Kenya, ” said Ruto.

Ruto said that this initiative will help sportsmen and women in Kenya who have broken world record get recognized and valued from their talent.

Ruto Meets Former US Secretary John Kerry

Ruto also met former US Secretary of State and founder of the Our Ocean Conference, John Kerry.

He reaffirmed Kenya’s full readiness to host the 11th edition in June 2026.

“I affirmed Kenya’s full readiness to host the 11th edition in June 2026 at the Coast under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” Ruto said.

This will be the first time conference is held on African soil giving continent the chance to shape the global ocean agenda for next decade.

Ruto said Africa’s leadership in ocean action will be showcased during the conference

He rallied nations partners to safeguard marine ecosystems and expand blue economy.

President William Ruto and other leaders attends a conference at United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 24, 2025. PHOTO/ Ruto X