President William Ruto and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker have discussed expanding cooperation between Kenya and Austria in trade, investment, labour and artificial intelligence.
The talks were held in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where Ruto is leading Kenya’s engagements on investment, employment, digital cooperation and reforms to global institutions.
Ruto said Kenya’s participation in the UNGA is focused on issues including debt sustainability, climate finance, digital trade and regional security.
Kenya and Austria target more economic cooperation
Ruto said Kenya and Austria have maintained longstanding bilateral relations based on shared interests and mutual respect, with the two countries now seeking to broaden their economic partnership.
“We are deepening cooperation in trade and investment to expand opportunities for the people of both countries,” Ruto said.
The discussions covered opportunities to increase trade and investment while creating new avenues for economic cooperation between the two countries.
Labour cooperation was also discussed, with Ruto saying a structured bilateral labour agreement between Kenya and Austria is opening new pathways for young Kenyans seeking opportunities in international markets.
The talks form part of Kenya’s wider efforts to attract investment and strengthen partnerships in sectors including energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare and technology.
AI governance takes centre stage
Artificial intelligence was another key issue during the meeting, with Ruto and Stocker discussing cooperation on the governance of the rapidly developing technology.
“We are also strengthening cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, including its governance, to harness emerging opportunities responsibly,” Ruto said.
Kenya has increasingly pushed for greater African participation in international discussions on AI governance as governments consider how to manage the technology while making use of its potential economic and social benefits.
Ruto had earlier called for Africa to have a stronger voice in shaping global rules on artificial intelligence, warning against technological dependence.
The discussions with Austria therefore extended beyond the adoption of AI to include how the technology should be governed as it continues to develop.
Ruto pushes for UN and financial reforms
The two leaders also discussed cooperation at the multilateral level, particularly reforms to the United Nations and the international financial system.
Ruto said Kenya and Austria were working together to support changes aimed at making international institutions more responsive to the needs of different countries.
“At the multilateral level, we are working together to advance reforms of the United Nations to make it fit for purpose, and of the international financial architecture to make it more inclusive and responsive to the needs of all nations,” he said.
The meeting took place as UNGA 81 got underway in New York under the theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”
Kenya is using the high-level gathering to advance its positions on UN reform, economic diplomacy, climate finance, digital cooperation and other international issues.
The discussions with Austria add to Kenya’s diplomatic and economic engagements at the UNGA, with trade, investment, labour and technology forming part of the country’s broader agenda for international partnerships.
