President William Ruto shared a light-hearted moment with United States President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, underscoring Kenya’s growing diplomatic engagement with major global powers.

This comes even as world leaders gathered to discuss economic cooperation, international security and global development.

Photos released from the summit showed the two leaders smiling and conversing during a social event attended by heads of state, government officials and invited guests, reflecting the informal interactions that often accompany high-level diplomatic meetings.

The encounter came as President Ruto participated in the G7+ Working Session on “Fostering New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity,” where he urged advanced economies to deepen cooperation with Africa through investment, fair financing and mutually beneficial partnerships.

In his address, Ruto argued that Africa should no longer be viewed through the lens of aid dependency but as a continent of opportunity capable of contributing solutions to global challenges. He called for a new framework of engagement based on sovereign equality, shared prosperity and increased investment in African economies.

The Kenyan leader told G7 members that Africa’s development ambitions continue to be constrained by limited access to affordable financing despite the continent possessing significant financial assets and investment opportunities. He urged wealthy nations to support African financial institutions through guarantees and risk-sharing mechanisms that can unlock greater private sector investment.

Ruto also highlighted Kenya’s efforts to mobilise domestic resources for development, citing investments in affordable housing and universal healthcare as examples of African countries taking responsibility for their own growth agenda while seeking meaningful international partnerships.

The G7 Summit, which brings together leaders from some of the world’s largest economies, has increasingly expanded its engagement with African nations amid growing recognition of the continent’s strategic importance in areas such as trade, climate action, energy transition and global security.

Kenya’s invitation to participate in the discussions reflects Nairobi’s rising profile on the international stage, particularly in climate diplomacy, peace and security initiatives, and efforts to reform the global financial architecture.

Relations between Kenya and the United States have strengthened in recent years, with Washington designating Kenya a major non-NATO ally and the two countries deepening cooperation in trade, security, technology and investment.

While the meeting between Ruto and Trump appeared informal, it came against the backdrop of broader discussions on strengthening international partnerships and fostering economic growth at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty.

The summit continues with leaders expected to deliberate on trade, climate financing, investment flows and reforms aimed at boosting cooperation between developed economies and emerging regions, including Africa.