President Lee Meets Kenyan Leader: "We Will Join You on the Path to Development"

Korea-Kenya Summit on G7 Sidelines: Expanding Cooperation in Infrastructure, Energy, Transportation, and Water Management
Lee Raises Issues Faced by Korean Businesses in Kenya; Ruto Pledges Direct Action for Improvement

On June 17 (local time), President Lee Jae-myung held a summit meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto in Evian, France, and agreed to expand practical cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, energy, transportation, water management, and irrigation projects. President Ruto described Korea as “a representative success story of a developing country becoming an advanced nation within a single generation,” expressing Kenya’s strong desire to actively learn from Korea’s development experience.

President Lee Jae-myung and President William Ruto of Kenya greet each other before a bilateral meeting at the Group of Seven (G7) Summit venue in Evian-les-Bains, France, on June 17, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee met with President Ruto at the Evian Royal Hotel on the sidelines of the G7 summit and exchanged views on a wide range of bilateral relations, including economic cooperation, development cooperation, infrastructure collaboration, and people-to-people exchanges. Both leaders agreed with the G7 summit’s emphasis on mutual prosperity and shared growth, and committed to broadening the foundations for sustainable cooperation between Korea and Kenya.

In his public remarks, President Lee said, “Although reality is very complex, it seems we are resolving issues one by one,” and added, “I hope the cooperative relationship between Kenya and the Republic of Korea will deepen even further.”

He continued, “The Republic of Korea was once a colony but achieved rapid growth and development in a short period after liberation, with support from many countries playing a significant role in this process. Kenya can also share in Korea’s experience of national development, and if there is anything we can do together, we will strive to maximize our cooperation.”

President Lee also stated, “Thanks to your outstanding leadership, Kenya is developing more than ever before, and we wish to be part of that journey of advancement.”

In response, President Ruto said, “Since taking office, I have visited the Republic of Korea twice. This was possible because of the strong cooperative relationship and solid friendship between our two countries.” He noted, “Not long ago, Korea and Kenya were at similar developmental levels, but in just one generation, Korea has advanced from a Third World country to a developed nation.”

President Ruto emphasized, “We must learn lessons from Korea’s progress. I always persuade our people that if we make the effort, we too can achieve what Korea has accomplished.”

The two leaders agreed to continue expanding cooperation in infrastructure, energy, transportation, water management, and irrigation projects being pursued by Kenya. President Ruto expressed hope that Korean companies would participate even more actively in Kenya’s economic development. He also looked forward to further development cooperation projects, such as the Kenya Institute of Science and Technology and smart cities, being identified in a variety of fields including science and technology, nuclear power, and agriculture.

During the talks, President Lee also raised difficulties faced by Korean businesspeople in Kenya regarding residence and work permits, as well as various administrative procedures. President Ruto responded that he would personally see to improving these issues.

President Lee Jae-myung and Kenyan President William Ruto are holding a bilateral meeting at the venue of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, on June 17, 2026 (local time). Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The two leaders also agreed on the need to expand trade and promote people-to-people exchanges. President Lee requested the Kenyan government’s attention to safety, noting the increase in Korean citizens and tourists visiting Kenya in recent times. President Ruto pledged to continue cooperating to ensure the safety of Korean nationals. Both leaders agreed to maintain the momentum of bilateral relations by continuing high-level exchanges, including future presidential visits.

Attending the meeting from the Kenyan side were Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi, Deputy Foreign Minister Korir Sing’oei, and Presidential Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed. On the Korean side, National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun were present.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.