By PSCU
Somalilandsun – Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta and Muhammadu Buhari (Nigeria) have agreed to cooperate at the multilateral and bilateral fronts to eliminate terrorism.
Uhuru emphasized that peace and security are key to sustainable development, noting this is why Kenya has continued to champion the realization of peace and security in Africa.
Despite calls to withdraw KDF troops from Somalia following the El Adde attack by al Shabaab, Uhuru has maintained that KDF will remain a part of the African Union peacekeeping mission.
The President thanked Buhari for supporting Kenya and attending a service in honour of slain troops at Moi Barracks in Eldoret on Wednesday. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud was also present.
“Your presence at the memorial service was a great morale booster to us, our soldiers and their families,” Uhuru told Buhari during their meeting at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday.
The African Union Mission in Somalia has made strides in stabilizing Somalia, adding this will result in stability and security for the region, he said.
He urged Nigeria to remain steadfast in supporting Somalia with its reconciliation and reconstruction efforts.
Buhari, whose country is fighting an insurgency by the Boko Haram militant group, said terrorism should be fought from all fronts as no country was immune to the menace.
“This is why the entire global community must work in a concerted manner, particularly in intelligence sharing and pooling resources to confront the scourge,” he said.
To win the war against terrorism, Buhari said new and versatile strategies must be developed including tackling radicalization and violent extremism which are taking rooting in Africa.
“The extremist narrative and ideology by radical elements and militants in our society must be tackled through counter-narratives that emphasize education, moderation and tolerance,” he said.
Buhari commended Uhuru and the government for progress in infrastructure development, healthcare, information technology and education.
“Your strategy for economic diversification is a model many countries admire. Your commitment to inclusive growth despite the challenge of terrorism is a clear sign of strong leadership,” he said.
“Your determination to defeat terrorism whenever it rears its ugly head demonstrates your vision for global peace and security.”
He assured Uhuru of support in the war against terrorists and sympathizers saying the two countries must remain resolute.
The two leaders also agreed to promote trade ties as intra-Africa trade and investment are key to regional integration.
Uhuru said a series of high-level engagements between Kenya and Nigeria over the last few years have provided an opportunity for enhanced engagement at government and private sector levels.
“It is imperative that we maintain the momentum for the mutual benefit of our people and countries,” he said.
DP William Ruto, AG Githu Muigai and Cabinet Secretaries Joseph Nkaissery (Interior), James Macharia (Transport), Hassan Wario (Sports), Henry Rotich (Treasury), Cleopa Mailu (Health) and Raychelle Omamo (Defence) also attended the meeting.
The Nigerian Delegation included Industry, Trade and Investment minister Okechkwu Enelama and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Khadija Ibrahim.
SOURCE : The Star
