Kenya and the Netherlands have signed a Letter of Intent to enhance Defence Cooperation, focusing on Peace Support Operations, AI, Cyber Security, Maritime Security, and Climate Security. This deal was finalized during a royal visit to the IPSTC. Discussions also covered judicial independence and access to justice, highlighting the deepening bilateral ties between the two nations.
Kenya and the Netherlands have formalized a Letter of Intent to enhance Defence Cooperation in several key areas, including Peace Support Operations, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Cyber Security. This agreement highlights a shared commitment to improve the effectiveness of intelligence-driven peacekeeping missions globally, as expressed by Kenya’s Defence Cabinet Secretary, Soipan Tuya.
The agreement was signed during the royal visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima to the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) in Karen. Prior to the royal couple’s arrival, Cabinet Secretary Tuya met with Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans to finalize this significant agreement.
In addition to AI and Cyber Security, the collaboration also encompasses Maritime Security, Climate Security, Military Training, and sharing best practices between the two countries. The strengthening of these ties marks a proactive approach to international collaboration in defense-related initiatives.
During their stay, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima were hosted by Chief Justice Martha Koome at the Supreme Court Building in Nairobi. This meeting emphasized the focus on bolstering bilateral relations in terms of rule of law, democracy, and governance.
Chief Justice Koome stressed the importance of judicial independence as fundamental to Kenya’s democracy. She highlighted the Judiciary’s role in protecting constitutional rights and overseeing fair trials, as well as the need to guard against external influences that could detract from its integrity. Furthermore, she discussed ongoing judicial reforms supported by the Netherlands, which aim to enhance access to justice in Kenya.
The formal agreement between Kenya and the Netherlands emphasizes a commitment to enhancing defense cooperation through various initiatives, including the use of AI in military operations and improved peacekeeping effectiveness. Additionally, both nations are working towards broader security dynamics, such as Maritime and Climate Security. The visit of the Dutch royals has further solidified these bilateral ties, with discussions extending to judicial independence and access to justice reforms.
Original Source: www.kbc.co.ke
