Israel vows support for Kenya in terrorism war

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, salutes a match past by the Kenya Air Force parade during the State Visit official reception at State House, Nairobi July 5, 2016.

NAIROBI: Kenya and Israel will strengthen security cooperation in the face of growing global terrorism threats.

The agreement covers training, intelligence sharing and systems use, especially in new technology, in the war against terror.

It was among resolutions yesterday following bilateral talks at State House, Nairobi, between

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the first sitting Premier of the Jewish state to visit the country.

The visit is rich with symbolism as it coincides with the 40th anniversary of the raid on Entebbe airport in Uganda by Israeli commandos to free hostages in operation Thunderbolt, which Kenya helped with logistics. Earlier yesterday, Netanyahu, whose elder brother Yoni was killed in the 1976 commando raid to free passengers aboard an Air France plane hijacked by Palestinians, laid a wreath at the mausoleum of Kenya’s founding President Jomo Kenyatta, whose government at the time authorised the Israeli aircraft to refuel in Nairobi.

Netanyahu, during an international press conference at State House, thanked Kenya for the help as he praised the successful operation as one that dealt a blow to international terrorism and promised to stand by Kenya in the fight against terror.

Though Netanyahu declined to divulge details of the partnership, he said his government had a lot to offer in terms of security, particularly intelligence sharing to pre-empt attacks and also in the development sphere.

Of particular concern to the leaders was extremist activities.

“We have entered into various agreements to enhance security. At this point, it will not be practical to go into details. There is a raging battle with outlawed groups like Isis, Boko Haram, Al Qaeda and Al Shabaab. Israel can help in many areas,” said Netanyahu.

He reiterated: “When it comes to fighting crime, when we know in advance an attack is going to take place, we react and prevent it. This has tremendously saved many lives. Israel is doing this and we will share intelligence with friends in Kenya and Africa.” The leaders reiterated that the relations between Kenya and Israel, which has seen security officers especially from the elite squad (Recce) trained, should be enhanced.

President Uhuru said it was befitting that the historic security cooperation between the countries was a priority for both nations.

“The Prime Minister and the Israeli people continue to extend invaluable support to Kenya; helping us build capacity and bolster internal and regional security. We are in ongoing talks about how to strengthen and expand that cooperation so that we can gain from Israel’s expertise in cyber-security, and other areas,” the President explained.

He added: “Kenya stands to gain a lot from this partnership. From training to strategic thinking to systems use, especially in new technology in the war (on terror), are some of the benefits we look forward to. We will also gain immensely in sharing experiences because Israel has faced challenges much longer than we as a country.

“Tactically, we will learn a lot from Israel. Our partner will be strong in intelligence sharing between Israel, Kenya, the region and the African continent. Terrorism is the greatest threat to our security and peace in the continent and globally,” said President Uhuru.

Netanyahu noted that the partnership was important.

TERROR IS REAL

“Nurturing this partnership with Kenya is vital because we are natural partners. Terror is real, going by the happening in the Garissa University and Westgate Mall attack, where innocent men, women and children lost their lives,” said the PM.

He compared the same with what his country had gone through over the years.

“We have also experienced such attacks and I want to say that terrorists see all as one, that’s why we must remain united in our common war. This will help us defeat the spirit of terror even faster,” he said.

To step up relations, the two nations agreed to do away with visa for diplomatic passports.

Israel also sought Kenya’s support to restore the Jewish State’s observer status at the African Union (AU). Israel lost the recognition it enjoyed in AU’s predecessor, Organisation of African Unity (OAU), because its support of then apartheid South Africa annoyed the continent’s states.

“Israel is coming back to Africa and Africa to Israel. I welcome your (Africa) states to help us restore observer status at the AU and I think it is Israel’s desire to join with African countries to create a new partnership in security and development,” said the PM.

“The world has changed and the nature of global problems have changed from what they were 30 years ago. I think there is need for Africa to reengage with Israel,” said President Kenyatta.

On his part, PM Netanyahu said Israel views Kenya as its best partner in Africa and that the two countries share common opportunities.

President Kenyatta said the 50-year relationship between Kenya and Israel is set to be strengthened after the two countries signed more pacts and agreed to work more closely on security matters.

“The agreements will allow us to build the capacity of our health systems and professionals in the area of emergency preparedness and resources as well as specialised medical services,” said President Kenyatta when he addressed a joint press conference with PM Netanyahu.

The President said he also spoke with PM Netanyahu about the peace process between Israel and Palestine, adding that Kenya was for sustainable solution.

“Kenya is certainly committed to supporting a peace process in whatever way she can and we continue to see Israel as a critical partner, friend and ally, which is the more reason we desire peace in that region of the world,” said President Kenyatta.

Netanyahu arrived at State House accompanied by his wife, Sara, and was accorded an elaborate State reception rounded off by a 19-gun salute. Uhuru said the agreements with Israel also covered health and immigration.

Yesterday, the two leaders flagged off the second group of 75 trainees heading to Israel for training on the project.

Netanyahu said alongside challenges, Israel and Kenya shared common opportunities in technology, water, agriculture and health.

“Israel is a small country, founded without any natural resources, the only natural resources we have is our brains and our hearts,” he said.