Kenya, Egypt forge defence and economic cooperation during Duale's visit

 

As part of Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale's visit to Egypt, the two nations explored avenues for collaboration in defence and technology.

On Tuesday, the defence boss met Maj Gen Mohammed Abdi Abubakar, the Chief of the Engineering Industry Complex where Duale expressed the shared interest of Kenya and Egypt in bolstering their defence capabilities and fostering technological advancements.

"This meeting marks a significant milestone in our diplomatic relations," Duale said as he underlined the importance of the discussions.

The key agenda of the meeting focused on potential collaborations in defence technology and industry.

Duale noted Egypt's well-established engineering industry as an opportunity for Kenya to enhance its defence infrastructure.

"The exchange of knowledge and expertise can pave the way for mutual growth and development in the defence sector," he stated.

Both nations emphasized the importance of regional security and stability during the discussions.

"By working together, Kenya and Egypt can effectively combat common challenges such as terrorism and cross-border threats," Duale said, highlighting the need for concerted efforts.

Beyond defence collaboration, the meeting served as a platform to explore economic cooperation.

CS Duale and his Egyptian counterpart expressed interest in expanding trade and investment opportunities.

"Strengthening economic ties between the two nations can lead to mutual prosperity and create new avenues for growth," Duale explained.

The visit also highlighted the significance of people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation.

While engaging with the Chief of the Engineering Industry Complex, the Defence CS explored opportunities for academic exchanges benefiting the Kenya Defence Forces.

"Such initiatives can foster greater understanding and appreciation, deepening our bilateral relations," Duale noted.

During the meeting, Duale was accompanied by Brig Sylvester Chirchir, Deputy Director, Defence National Security Industries, Col James Njeru, Colonel Counter-Terrorism, Col Emmanuel Ptiony, Kenya Defence Attachee to Egypt, and Col John Njoroge, Commanding Officer at the Construction Battalion.

Duale's visit laid the groundwork for a new era of cooperation between Kenya and Egypt.

Earlier in the day, the CS laid a wreath at the grave site of the former President of Egypt, Anwar Sadat.

He visited Sadat's grave on the second day of his three-day official visit to Egypt.

"Having been recognized with the Nobel Peace prize in 1978 for pacifying the Middle East, Sadat who served as 3rd President of Egypt is also known as the Father of Peace," Duale said.

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.

by MAUREEN KINYANJUI