King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands Tuesday urged President William Ruto to ensure rights and freedoms of Kenyans are respected, challenging him to uphold "human rights, good governance and accountability." The Dutch royal, who arrived in the country Monday evening alongside Queen Máxima, said he would give attention to discussing the issues during his three-day state visit. "The people of Kenya, like those of the Netherlands, want their rights as free citizens to be respected, and their voices be heard," King Willem-Alexander said at State House, Nairobi, moments after a 21-gun salute rang out in his honour.
Earlier, he and Ruto witnessed the signing of memoranda of understanding in trade, agriculture and tourism, as well as a letter of intent on water infrastructure development.
Ruto, too, challenged the Dutch king against abandoning his role on the global stage, which includes support for peace initiatives and other pressing issues. "At the time of fraying partnerships, I urge their majesties to maintain Netherlands' commitment to the principles of global solidarity and subsidiarity.
In particular, I implored their majesties to extend support to the eighth replenishment of the United Nations global fund as it seeks to mobilise resources to battle difficult health challenges," said Ruto, announcing the two had directed their Foreign Affairs ministers to hold bilateral discussions about collaborations in peace, climate change, among other issues.
