NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 26-United States President Joseph Biden on Friday committed to help Kenya continue promoting peace within the region, currently face a myriad of challenges ranging from political to security issues.
He made the assurance during a phone call with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“The President applauded Kenya’s leadership in the Horn of Africa and commitment to counterterrorism, economic growth, addressing climate change, and sustainable development,” a call read-out shared by the White House stated.
Further, the two leaders discussed the deteriorating humanitarian and human rights crises in Ethiopia’s Tigray region and the need to prevent further loss of life and ensure humanitarian access.
The leaders also discussed the need for cooperation on other matters of regional stability.
The President affirmed the importance of the strong U.S.- Kenya bilateral relationship.
“In the telephone conversation, the two leaders spoke about the strengthening Kenya-US bilateral ties, the economy, peace and security, climate change, human rights and the humanitarian situation in the Horn of Africa,” State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena said in a statement.
“The US President particularly thanked Kenya for its leading role in the fight against terrorism, economic growth, addressing climate change, and sustainable development in the Horn of Africa and assured of America’s continued partnership.”
He also emphasized the United States’ continued commitment to working closely with Kenya to support regional peace and security, including at the United Nations Security Council.
Most of the countries within the Eastern Africa region are currently experience a wide range of challenges, that have threatened their stability.
In Somalia, the current government term’s lapsed on February 8, and even with that, political players have failed to agree on an election model.
Tension has been high for weeks, with incidents of gun violence reported in Mogadishu, as security forces face off with private security of the opposition leaders.
Somalia has been wrecked in havoc for decades, a situation worsened by the existence of the Al-Qaeda linked Al-Shabaab terror group.
Uganda is also political instable following a disputed election that was marred by massive irregularities.
Further, President Kenyatta expressed confidence that the conclusion of the ongoing negotiations for a Kenya-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will help further strengthen the strong economic ties between the two countries.
Kenya is the fourth largest trading partner of the US in Africa.
Kenya and the US launched the FTA negotiations on 8th July 2020 with the objective of reaching a comprehensive trade pact that can serve as a model for similar agreements in Africa.
Want to send us a story? Contact Shahidi News Tel: +254115512797 (Mobile & WhatsApp)
