New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday held talks with Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto here and called for steady progress in mutual trade and investment between both nations".

During the talks, five Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) have been exchanged between India and Kenya in several areas, including sports, IT, and education.

Addressing the joint Press conference with President Ruto, PM Modi said, "There is steady progress in mutual trade and investment between India and Kenya."

The PM said both nations will continue to explore new opportunities to realize the full potential of economic cooperation and expressed happiness that Kenya has decided to join the Global Biofuels Alliance and the International Solar Alliance.

"Kenya's decision to join the International Big Cat Alliance will enable the strengthening of global efforts for the conservation of big cats," he said.

PM Modi said India and Kenya are unanimous in considering terrorism as the most serious challenge to humanity and both nations have decided to increase cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism.

He said, "Africa has been a topmost priority in India's foreign policy,"adding that in the past decade, India has worked to build cooperation with Africa in mission mode.

The Prime Minister expressed hope that this visit will aid in further fostering ties and engagements with Kenya and Africa, saying, "This year marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and Kenya."

He pointed out that India's Kenya ties date back thousands of years.

In his statement, President Ruto said that the two leaders held extensive conversations and engagement on all issues of mutual significance and importance between the two countries.

Rout congratulated PM Modi for successfully hosting the G20 Summit and championing the cause of African people which led to the African Union becoming a member of the G20.

The Kenyan President arrived in New Delhi on Monday on a three-day visit to India, accompanied by a high-level official delegation.

Early in the day, Ruto was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Talking to the media, the Kenyan President said he shares a lot in common with the Prime Minister on what needs to be done by the global South and emphasised the need to consolidate the relationship between Kenya and India.

He also laid a wreath at Rajghat and paid his respects to Mahatma Gandhi.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on the Kenyan President last evening.

In a social media post, Jaishankar said, "I appreciated President Ruto's perspectives on the concerns of the Global South and valued his insights for the further strengthening of India - Kenya bilateral ties."

[With UNI inputs]