NAIROBI, May 12 (NNN-KBC) — President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb and his wife, Suzanne Innes-Stubb, are in Kenya for a two-day state visit.
The visit is part of celebrations marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between Finland and Kenya.
President William Ruto will Monday morning host President Stubb at State House. He arrived in the country on Sunday night and was received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by Deputy President, Prof. Kithure Kindiki.
Their discussions will focus on the bilateral relations between Finland and Kenya, global challenges and their impact in Africa and Europe, and cooperation in support of the multilateral system.
The talks will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Uhuru Gardens. In the evening, the presidential couple will be hosted by President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto at a state banquet.
During his stay, President Stubb will meet representatives of local NGOs and foreign policy experts.
“The main topics of discussion will be regional dynamics and social development”, reads an itinerary shared by the Office of the President of the Republic of Finland.
President Stubb will visit the University of Nairobi, where he will give a speech on geopolitics and the transformation of the multilateral order, followed by a discussion with students.
In addition, the President will attend the closing event of the EU-Kenya Business Forum, where he will deliver a keynote speech. The President’s agenda also features a business seminar organised by Business Finland, focusing on the built environment and the health sector.
The official programme includes a visit to a technical education institution and a company offering vocational training, both involved in a project funded by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs to strengthen the quality and labour market relevance of vocational training.
He is also scheduled to visit Kawangware, where he will learn about a programme funded by the EU and Finnfund to enhance digital connectivity.
President Stubb will also meet with the Director-General of the UN Office in Nairobi, UNON, and the Executive Directors of UNEP and UN-Habitat.
Discussions will cover topics such as the future of the UN and support for the multilateral system, as well as the role of the UN Office in Nairobi.
The Finnish Ambassador to Kenya will host a formal reception in honour of the state visit.
President Stubb is accompanied on the state visit by Member of Parliament, Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Kenya Saara-Sofia Sirén, and Member of Parliament, Vice Chair of the Finnish Parliament Group on Global Issues Inka Hopsu, as well as a Finnish business delegation with representatives from a wide range of business sectors.
This is the first-ever visit by a Finnish President. — NNN-KBC
