NAIROBI– Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has on Monday held meeting with Vice Minister and Director General for Political Affairs of The Netherlands, Mr. Marcel de Vink.

The meeting at the Defence Head quarters in the capital Nairobi, discussed how the two countries can collaborate in combating terrorism and attaining security within East Africa, the Horn of Africa, and the Great Lakes Region.

CS Duale pointed out that the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) signed between two countries once formalized will set the stage for our two countries to engage more on military training and education, maritime security, research and development and other mutual exchanges.

He noted that the Netherlands has been a strategic and indispensable partner to Kenya by supporting training at the KDF International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) in Karen, Nairobi.

Duale further highlighted that Kenya is keen to tap the shipbuilding skills and expertise in Netherlands to not that only enhance maritime security but also leverage on the fortunes of the Blue Economy.

Hosted the Vice Minister and Director General for Political Affairs of the Netherlands, Mr. Marcel de Vink. pic.twitter.com/yLIrlAGwyi

— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) February 12, 2024

The CS underscored the existing strategic ally and partnership between the two countries in different sectors, emphasizing the importance of further enhancing them.

On his part, Mr. de Vink thanked the CS for the warm reception and pledged the Netherlands government commitment to further supporting Kenya in various areas including defence and security.

Among those in attendance at the meeting were Vice Chief of Defence Forces (VCDF) Lieutenant General Jonah Mwangi and the Chief of Strategic Plans and Policy at the Defence Headquarters Brigadier Richard Mwanzia.