-Chief of Defence Forces Kenya meets President, visits Naval Headquarters
By Uzma Zafar
ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi Wednesday said that Pakistan highly valued its relations with Kenya and wanted to further increase the bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, economy and defence for the mutual benefit of two countries.
He also underlined the need for enhanced engagements at high political and military levels to further boost mutual cooperation. The president was talking to visiting Chief of Defence Forces of Kenya, General Robert Kariuki Kibochi, who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
Talking to the visiting dignitary, the president said that Pakistan had initiated ‘’Look Africa Policy’’, under which Kenya was deemed as an important East-African country and desired to develop close relations with Kenya in the fields of political, economic and defence.
He said Pakistan’s contributions towards African stability were exemplary as Pakistan army was the highest contributor of troops in UN Missions for Africa.
He apprised General Robert Kariuki Kibochi about the potential of defence industry of Pakistan and emphasised the need for exchanging defence delegations to explore areas of interest. The president highlighted that the successful handling of Covid-19 pandemic by Pakistan spoke volumes of excellent discipline shown by the Pakistani nation.
General Robert Kariuki Kibochi appreciated the capability of defence industry of Pakistan and professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces, particularly their role in maintaining peace and security in Africa. He underscored the need for increasing cooperation in the area of military training between the two countries and also called for increasing military-to-military cooperation as the both countries had huge potential to expand cooperation in the field of defence.
Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Forces Kenya, General Robert Kariuki Kibochi visited Naval Headquarters, Islamabad and called on Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi. Upon arrival at Naval Headquarters, the visiting dignitary was received by the Chief of the Naval Staff. A smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan Navy presented the Guard of Honour and was introduced to the Principal Staff Officers at Naval Headquarters.
Later, General Robert Kariuki Kibochi called on Chief of the Naval Staff in his office. During the meeting, various matters of maritime security, stability and mutual interest including bilateral collaboration were discussed.
Chief of the Naval Staff highlighted Pakistan’s commitment in the fight against terrorism and Pakistan Navy’s contributions to ensuring maritime security and peace in the region. The Naval Chief thanked the visiting dignitary for the hospitality afforded to Pakistan Navy Ship NASR on its recent goodwill visit to Mombasa.
