Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru has today received the Nautical Maritime Charts of the Lamu Archipelago in Kenya from the Indian High Commissioner to Kenya, Her Excellency Namgya Khampa at the Defence Headquarters, Nairobi.
The PS who received the Indian official on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Aden Duale registered his appreciation to the Indian entourage saying the successful preparation of the charts is a culmination of joint cooperation and partnership dating back to 2014 when the initiative was launched.
The charts of the Kenyan maritime waters were prepared after a joint survey between the Kenya Navy and the Indian Navy through the National Hydrography Office, a process that took eight years to complete.
The PS said Kenya and India have a long history of cordial relations and partnerships for the mutual benefit of the citizens of the two countries. He cited Defence Cooperation and partnership that has made it possible to have high level meetings, capacity building and in provision of state-of-the-art medical equipment and facilities.
Mr Mariru underscored the need for the two countries to explore joint partnerships in space exploration, modernisation of the KDF infrastructure and equipment as well as shipbuilding to harness the fortunes of the blue economy.
“We are delighted to have this conversation today even as I receive the charts of our maritime waters. The CS and the Chief of Defence Forces have also conveyed their appreciations for this significant milestone and we hope it shall help us explore other areas of cooperation,” said the PS.
On her part, the High Commissioner thanked Kenya for remaining a long time and resilient partner apart from being a maritime neighbour sharing the Indian Ocean waters.
She affirmed that the two partner States shall continue to consolidate efforts in all areas of convergence and scale up cooperation and exchanges.
“I am happy to mark this day with you as we unveil the charts following a successful joint process between our two countries. We are maritime neighbours and thus we share stakes in neighbourhood,” she said.
Kenya and India have various Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) including MoU on Cooperation in the field of Defence, MoU on Sharing White Shipping Information between the Indian Navy and the KDF among others.
The MoUs have made it possible for exchange of military experience, supply of military materials and equipment, military visits in military establishments and units between the two countries, participation in academic activities among others areas of collaboration. The agreements have further enhanced defence and security as well as sharing of information and conducting joint investigations.
Present during the meeting were the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Operations, Doctrine and Training (ACDF OPD&T), Major General Fred Leuria, Chief of Welfare Brigadier John Khaoya, and other senior KDF and MoD officials.
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