The Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Soipan Tuya, and the Netherlands’ Defence Minister, Mr. Ruben Brekelmans, held productive talks in Nairobi, resulting in a signed Letter of Intent. This agreement focuses on enhancing Defence Cooperation in areas such as Peace Support Operations, AI, Cyber Security, and Military Training. Both leaders underscored the commitment to strengthen military capabilities and regional security.
Today, Hon. Soipan Tuya, the Cabinet Secretary for Defence, engaged in bilateral talks with Mr. Ruben Brekelmans, the Minister for Defence of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This meeting took place at the International Peace Support and Training Center located in Karen, Nairobi. A significant outcome of the talks was the signing of a Letter of Intent, which marks a collaborative effort between the two nations’ Ministries of Defence.
The primary focus of the agreement is to enhance Defence Cooperation, particularly in vital sectors such as Peace Support Operations, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Maritime Security, Climate Security, and Military Training. This partnership aims to promote the exchange of best practices between the two countries.
During the discussions, Hon. Tuya emphasized the importance of this collaboration, noting ongoing efforts to finalize a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) and a Status of Force Agreement (SOFA) through the exchange of drafts. She highlighted how these formal arrangements would significantly contribute to future engagements and capacity building for the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
Mr. Brekelmans expressed the Netherlands’ firm commitment to bolstering the capabilities of the KDF and acknowledged Kenya’s strategic importance in fostering regional stability and security. He also pointed out the collective goal of enhancing the effectiveness of intelligence-led peacekeeping missions and fostering responsible AI practices in military operations through international cooperation.
The talks were attended by distinguished officials, including Dr. Patrick Mariru, the Principal Secretary for Defence, Lieutenant General John Omenda, Vice Chief of Defence Forces, and several senior military officers from both the Kenyan and Dutch delegations, underscoring the high level of collaboration.
In conclusion, the bilateral talks between Kenya and the Netherlands mark a significant step towards enhancing defence cooperation across various critical areas. The signing of the Letter of Intent reflects both nations’ commitment to formalize agreements that will fortify military capabilities and improve regional peace and security. This partnership sets a foundation for future collaborations in military operations and technological advancements.
Original Source: www.mod.go.ke
