By Dawan Africa - Reporter
Nairobi(Mogadishu24)-Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Aden Duale and the United States Secretary for Defence Mr. Lloyd Austin have on Monday, signed a joint defence cooperation framework that will enable the two countries to enhance compatibility and work together for regional peace and stability.
This framework is effective between 2023- 2028 and is aimed at helping Kenya and the US strengthen their military relations in defence technology, weaponry, and efforts to combat terrorism.
“Today we stand before you, having just completed a highly productive meeting between the ministry of Defence of the Republic of Kenya and the United States Department of Defence. Subsequently, I am delighted to announce that we have signed a framework for defence cooperation spanning the years 2023 to 2028,” Hon. Duale, Kenya’s Defence minister, said during a joint press briefing.
The Defence CS highlighted the importance of this agreement to the bilateral relations between the two Kenya and the US.
“This framework represents a significant milestone in out bilateral relations and underscores our shared commitment to peace, security, and stability in the region and globally,” Hon. Duale stated.
“We reaffirmed a strong and enduring relationship between Kenya and the United States is not just about shared interest, but share values and shared commitment to democracy and a shared desire for a safer and more prosperous world,” he added.
The CS said that this agreement also entails key support to military support in pursuit of regional and global peace.
“The framework places a special emphasis on enhancing military interoperability between our two militaries in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Our ability to work seamlessly is paramount. This cooperation will enable us to respond effectively to the ever-evolving security challenges in our region and beyond,” he added.
He reiterated Kenya's commitment to contribute to international peacekeeping efforts and thanked the US Government for the continued support in peace keeping ventures in the region.
The US Defence Secretary acknowledged Kenya's efforts to regional peace and security and in her fight against Al-Shabaab militants, which has yielded great achievements.
“I thank the Kenyan government for hosting US Forces at Manda Bay and the commitment to shared security. Signing a Framework for Defence Cooperation between our two countries reinforces the importance of our strategic partnership,” said the Defence Secretary.
The secretary reaffirmed the US commitment to offer leadership and support in tackling security challenges across the region.
He stated that the US will provide financial and logistical support to the Kenya Defence Forces for its efforts and peace mission to Haiti.
The US Defence Secretary, Mr. Lloyd Austin is currently on an official trip to Africa, where he is engaging with African leaders in discussions focused on regional, continental, and global peace and security matters.
The signing of the framework was attended by the US Ambassador to Kenya, Ms. Meg Whitman, Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla, Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lieutenant General Jonah Mwangi, Defence PS Patrick Mariru, Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru, Service Commanders and other senior military officials from the two countries.
