Wednesday March 6, 2024
Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale giving a keynote speech at at the National Defence University, Washington DC on February 8, 2024
Defence Cabinet Secretary arrived in Egypt on Sunday for a three-day official visit during which he will hold talks with local officials.
Duale will be hosted by his Egyptian counterpart Mohamed Ahmed Zaki, his office said.
“The visit is aimed at reinforcing the strategic partnership between Kenya and Egypt.”
Delegations from Nairobi and Cairo are expected to discuss a range of topics including regional security, implementation of cooperation agreements on maritime and aerial security, and opportunities for professional military academic institutions.
“The defence cooperation between the two countries is a testament to a deep-rooted relationship,” Duale’s office said.
The Joint Military Committee, meeting annually, has been a cornerstone of military exchanges, fostering an environment of mutual learning and support.
The recent visit by the Egypt Armed Forces Army Engineers to the Kenya Army Engineers Brigade, and the ongoing workshop involving officers from the Egypt Navy with their Kenyan counterparts, highlight the dynamic nature of the Kenya, Egypt military engagement.
Duale has been visiting foreign countries to foster the military relationship.
He had last month visited and held talks with officials in Saudi Arabia and the US.
Duale was on Saturday, February 3 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the 2nd Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) defence ministers meeting.
He also held bilateral discussions with the Saudi Deputy Defense Minister Prince Abdulrahman Al-Muqrin.
The US visit follows the Signing of Defense Cooperation Framework on September 25, 2023, in Nairobi aimed at reinforcing the strategic partnership between Kenya and the United States.
The officials discussed a range of topics including regional security, implementation of the Bilateral Frameworks counterterrorism, impact of climate change, joint training, maritime security and opportunities for professional military academic institutions, officials said.
The US pledged to support the Kenya Defence Forces by providing robust financial and logistical assistance of up to $100 million.
Kenya is among key strategic partners in the US security activities including terrorism and transnational organized crime.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia are close allies of the US and the trips by Duale are seen as crucial in the war of general crime in the region.