NEW YORK: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Kenyan President William Ruto on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen longstanding and cordial bilateral ties, with a focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defence, education and other areas.
The two leaders met on the sidelines of the high-level segment of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, according to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with the President of Kenya H.E William Ruto on the sidelines of UN General Assembly 2026.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met President of Kenya William Ruto on the sidelines of the High-Level Segment of the 81st Session of the… pic.twitter.com/ShPgD38lLz
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) September 22, 2026
Prime Minister Sharif and President Ruto reviewed the state of Pakistan-Kenya relations and expressed satisfaction with their positive trajectory, reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening the “longstanding and cordial ties” between the two countries.
PM Sharif expressed Pakistan’s desire to deepen bilateral cooperation in the political, economic, trade, defence, education and people-to-people sectors.
Focus on trade and investment
Prime Minister Sharif emphasised the potential for increasing bilateral trade and investment, particularly in pharmaceuticals, textiles, surgical instruments and agriculture.
He encouraged greater interaction between the business communities of the two countries and invited Kenyan investors to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, including in Special Economic Zones.
PM Sharif also highlighted Pakistan’s interest in enhancing its engagement with the East African Community (EAC), a regional bloc comprising eight East African countries.
Kenyan President praises Pakistan’s mediation role
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including sustainable development and international peace and security, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Kenyan President praised Pakistan’s mediation role in the recent crisis in West Asia and the Gulf region. Pakistan is the key mediator between the US and Iran and is actively pursuing diplomacy to end the conflict through peaceful negotiations.
The two sides also stressed the importance of regular high-level engagement and agreed to further strengthen existing institutional mechanisms for bilateral cooperation.
These include the Bilateral Political Consultations and the Joint Ministerial Commission.
Prime Minister Sharif conveyed his best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the Kenyan people and expressed confidence that relations between Pakistan and Kenya would continue to grow in strength and substance.
Prime Minister Sharif is in New York for the high-level segment of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, where he is scheduled to address the gathering on September 25.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Prime Minister Sharif will also hold bilateral meetings with world leaders and participate in high-level events on the sidelines of the UNGA session, which runs from September 21 to 25.
Prime Minister Sharif is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on September 25.
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, PM Sharif will hold bilateral meetings with world leaders and participate in high-level events. He will also present Pakistan’s perspective on regional and global developments and highlight the country’s priorities at the UN General Assembly.
