1 00:00:00,379 --> 00:00:03,539 Guests . Ladies and gentlemen , the 2 00:00:03,549 --> 00:00:06,110 Cabinet Secretary for Defense honorable 3 00:00:06,130 --> 00:00:09,619 Eden Dwale and the US Secretary of 4 00:00:09,630 --> 00:00:12,189 Defense have now come in to sign the 5 00:00:12,199 --> 00:00:15,369 Kenya US Defense Cooperation framework . 6 00:00:15,770 --> 00:00:16,770 Welcome , sir . 7 00:01:10,629 --> 00:01:13,620 Thank you , sir . I request that you 8 00:01:13,629 --> 00:01:16,760 exchange the framework so that they can 9 00:01:18,459 --> 00:01:21,400 just move forward . What's up kindly ? 10 00:01:26,410 --> 00:01:30,349 Thank you . Thank 11 00:01:30,360 --> 00:01:31,360 you . 12 00:01:34,860 --> 00:01:36,971 Thank you . Thank you so much , sir . 13 00:01:40,339 --> 00:01:41,610 I , so I know 14 00:01:44,459 --> 00:01:48,389 call about the secretaries 15 00:01:48,400 --> 00:01:51,779 of defense so that they can give 16 00:01:52,580 --> 00:01:53,636 made the address . 17 00:02:07,980 --> 00:02:11,389 Thank you so much . You can . 18 00:02:11,710 --> 00:02:12,479 Thank you , 19 00:02:16,330 --> 00:02:18,679 ladies and gentlemen of the media . 20 00:02:19,770 --> 00:02:23,699 Welcome to this media briefing . I 21 00:02:23,710 --> 00:02:25,929 welcome the US Secretary of Defense 22 00:02:26,720 --> 00:02:28,679 Lloyd Austin and his distinguished 23 00:02:28,690 --> 00:02:32,059 delegation . Today , we stand before 24 00:02:32,070 --> 00:02:35,289 you having just concluded a highly 25 00:02:35,300 --> 00:02:37,789 productive meeting between the Ministry 26 00:02:37,800 --> 00:02:40,470 of Defense of the Republic of Kenya and 27 00:02:40,479 --> 00:02:43,000 the United States Department of Defense . 28 00:02:43,369 --> 00:02:46,479 Subsequently . I'm delighted to 29 00:02:46,490 --> 00:02:48,490 announce that we have just signed a 30 00:02:48,490 --> 00:02:50,710 framework for defense cooperation 31 00:02:51,259 --> 00:02:53,960 spanning the year 2023 to 32 00:02:53,970 --> 00:02:57,220 2028 . This framework 33 00:02:57,229 --> 00:03:00,619 represents a significant milestone in 34 00:03:00,630 --> 00:03:03,830 our bilateral relations and cause our 35 00:03:03,839 --> 00:03:06,850 shared commitment to peace , 36 00:03:06,860 --> 00:03:10,809 security and stability in the region 37 00:03:10,820 --> 00:03:13,729 and globally . Let me highlight a few 38 00:03:13,740 --> 00:03:15,929 key points from our deliberations . 39 00:03:17,089 --> 00:03:20,570 One , we reaffirmed the strong and 40 00:03:20,580 --> 00:03:23,279 enduring partnership between Kenya and 41 00:03:23,289 --> 00:03:26,360 the United States is not just about 42 00:03:26,369 --> 00:03:29,800 shared interests but shared values , 43 00:03:30,460 --> 00:03:33,690 shared commitment to democracy and a 44 00:03:33,699 --> 00:03:36,770 shared desire for a safe and a more 45 00:03:36,779 --> 00:03:38,389 prosperous world . 46 00:03:40,229 --> 00:03:43,610 Two , the framework places a special 47 00:03:43,619 --> 00:03:46,669 emphasis on enhancing military 48 00:03:48,270 --> 00:03:51,979 inability between our two militaries in 49 00:03:51,990 --> 00:03:54,679 an increasing complex and 50 00:03:54,690 --> 00:03:57,350 interconnected world . Our ability to 51 00:03:57,360 --> 00:04:01,070 work seamlessly together is paramount . 52 00:04:01,559 --> 00:04:04,399 This cooperation will enable us to 53 00:04:04,410 --> 00:04:07,330 respond effectively to the ever 54 00:04:07,339 --> 00:04:10,160 evolving security challenges in our 55 00:04:10,169 --> 00:04:13,789 region and beyond . Third , Kenya 56 00:04:13,800 --> 00:04:16,940 has long been a contributor to 57 00:04:16,950 --> 00:04:19,399 international peacekeeping efforts and 58 00:04:19,410 --> 00:04:21,743 we are proud to continue that tradition . 59 00:04:21,799 --> 00:04:24,809 The framework ensures that we receive 60 00:04:24,820 --> 00:04:28,290 the support and resources necessary for 61 00:04:28,299 --> 00:04:31,019 our operational deployment in this 62 00:04:31,029 --> 00:04:33,630 respect . We remain committed to 63 00:04:33,640 --> 00:04:36,040 contributing to global peace and 64 00:04:36,049 --> 00:04:39,750 security . More importantly , our 65 00:04:39,760 --> 00:04:42,750 discussions opened avenues for 66 00:04:42,760 --> 00:04:45,190 exploring and expanding cooperation in 67 00:04:45,200 --> 00:04:47,579 the field of defense , technology and 68 00:04:47,589 --> 00:04:50,200 innovation . We believe this framework 69 00:04:50,320 --> 00:04:52,670 will not only enhance our defense 70 00:04:52,679 --> 00:04:55,429 capabilities but also contribute to our 71 00:04:55,440 --> 00:04:58,239 economic growth through joint ventures 72 00:04:58,250 --> 00:05:01,510 and technology sharing . This framework 73 00:05:01,929 --> 00:05:05,410 is a symbol of our shared vision for a 74 00:05:05,420 --> 00:05:08,309 better tomorrow . Both Kenya and the 75 00:05:08,320 --> 00:05:11,410 United States are driven by a common 76 00:05:11,420 --> 00:05:15,109 purpose and together we will navigate 77 00:05:15,119 --> 00:05:17,829 the challenges that lie ahead . In 78 00:05:17,839 --> 00:05:20,369 conclusion , I want to express my 79 00:05:20,380 --> 00:05:23,489 gratitude to Secretary Austin and his 80 00:05:23,500 --> 00:05:25,940 team for their commitment to this 81 00:05:25,950 --> 00:05:28,649 partnership together . We are charting 82 00:05:28,660 --> 00:05:32,010 a course to s a more 83 00:05:32,019 --> 00:05:35,739 secure , more prosperous future for our 84 00:05:35,750 --> 00:05:38,690 nations and the world at large . I now 85 00:05:38,700 --> 00:05:41,600 invite us Secretary of Defense to make 86 00:05:41,609 --> 00:05:45,160 his remarks . Thank you , sir . Good 87 00:05:45,170 --> 00:05:48,079 afternoon , everyone . And thank you uh 88 00:05:48,089 --> 00:05:51,799 Secretary Dwale for uh for your kind 89 00:05:51,809 --> 00:05:53,642 words . It's great to be here in 90 00:05:53,642 --> 00:05:55,779 Nairobi and it's great to be in Kenya 91 00:05:56,359 --> 00:05:58,670 during my first trip across Africa as 92 00:05:58,679 --> 00:06:01,549 Secretary of Defense . I'm grateful for 93 00:06:01,559 --> 00:06:03,869 your warm welcome and your hospitality . 94 00:06:04,920 --> 00:06:06,753 I wanted to be here in person to 95 00:06:06,753 --> 00:06:09,410 underscore the importance of our ties 96 00:06:09,700 --> 00:06:13,019 to Kenya . It was a pleasure to be able 97 00:06:13,029 --> 00:06:15,820 to meet today with Secretary Dwale to 98 00:06:15,829 --> 00:06:18,339 discuss our strong defense partnership . 99 00:06:19,570 --> 00:06:21,799 And during our meeting today , I 100 00:06:21,809 --> 00:06:24,200 thanked him for hosting us forces at 101 00:06:24,209 --> 00:06:26,829 Manda Bay and for his commitment to our 102 00:06:26,839 --> 00:06:30,549 shared security signing the framework 103 00:06:30,559 --> 00:06:32,989 for defense cooperation between our two 104 00:06:33,000 --> 00:06:35,549 countries . Today reinforces the 105 00:06:35,559 --> 00:06:38,149 importance of our strategic partnership 106 00:06:38,309 --> 00:06:41,250 with Kenya and it will help guide our 107 00:06:41,260 --> 00:06:43,427 bilateral defense relationship for the 108 00:06:43,427 --> 00:06:45,980 next five years . I look forward to 109 00:06:45,989 --> 00:06:49,410 meeting with President Ruto later 110 00:06:49,420 --> 00:06:51,959 today to discuss our strategic 111 00:06:51,970 --> 00:06:55,489 partnership . Now , the US 112 00:06:55,500 --> 00:06:57,279 government deeply values our 113 00:06:57,290 --> 00:06:59,570 partnership with Kenya in countering al 114 00:06:59,579 --> 00:07:02,869 Shabaab . We're grateful to Kenya for 115 00:07:02,880 --> 00:07:05,500 its leadership in tackling security 116 00:07:05,510 --> 00:07:07,940 challenges in the region and around the 117 00:07:07,950 --> 00:07:10,970 world . And I also thank the secretary 118 00:07:10,980 --> 00:07:13,440 today for Kenya's willingness to 119 00:07:13,739 --> 00:07:15,890 consider leading a multinational 120 00:07:15,899 --> 00:07:19,420 security support mission in Haiti . The 121 00:07:19,429 --> 00:07:21,540 United States stands ready to support 122 00:07:21,540 --> 00:07:24,190 that mission by providing robust 123 00:07:24,200 --> 00:07:26,369 financial and logistical assistance . 124 00:07:27,359 --> 00:07:29,470 And we intend to work with the United 125 00:07:29,470 --> 00:07:31,679 States Congress to provide up to $100 126 00:07:31,690 --> 00:07:34,869 million in support . And we , we urge 127 00:07:34,880 --> 00:07:36,991 others in the international community 128 00:07:37,369 --> 00:07:40,250 to follow Kenya's great example and to 129 00:07:40,260 --> 00:07:42,820 step up and to provide more personnel , 130 00:07:42,829 --> 00:07:45,640 equipment , support , training and 131 00:07:45,649 --> 00:07:48,579 funding . So the United States remains 132 00:07:48,589 --> 00:07:50,811 committed to working with Kenya to help 133 00:07:50,811 --> 00:07:53,369 bring stability and security to the 134 00:07:53,380 --> 00:07:56,529 region and beyond . And we deeply 135 00:07:56,540 --> 00:07:59,760 appreciate Kenya's leadership and 136 00:07:59,769 --> 00:08:02,510 friendship . So thank you for being 137 00:08:02,519 --> 00:08:05,100 such great hosts and partners and with 138 00:08:05,109 --> 00:08:06,942 that , we're happy to take a few 139 00:08:06,942 --> 00:08:10,630 questions . Thank you . Thank 140 00:08:10,640 --> 00:08:13,399 you , sir for that . I I think I'll 141 00:08:13,410 --> 00:08:15,632 give you time so that you can feel your 142 00:08:15,632 --> 00:08:16,799 questions . Yes . 143 00:08:19,269 --> 00:08:22,760 Just kindly assist us with the mic here . 144 00:08:27,679 --> 00:08:29,809 Sorry , kindly introduce yourself and 145 00:08:29,820 --> 00:08:31,987 the Media house . You are presenting . 146 00:08:31,987 --> 00:08:33,876 My name is Sara . I work with the 147 00:08:33,876 --> 00:08:35,987 newspaper Secretary State Defense . I 148 00:08:35,989 --> 00:08:38,750 want to ask you about the , the the 149 00:08:38,760 --> 00:08:41,919 foreign troops in Somalia . And what's 150 00:08:41,929 --> 00:08:44,169 your assessment in terms of uh what 151 00:08:44,179 --> 00:08:46,068 they have achieved so far and the 152 00:08:46,068 --> 00:08:48,123 challenges they are facing and the , 153 00:08:48,123 --> 00:08:50,235 the way forward for you ? Thank you . 154 00:08:51,000 --> 00:08:54,440 Thanks . So the the question is uh 155 00:08:54,450 --> 00:08:56,969 what is my assessment of progress 156 00:08:57,489 --> 00:09:00,669 against Al Shabaab in Somalia ? We had 157 00:09:00,679 --> 00:09:03,690 a great discussion on Somalia today and 158 00:09:04,229 --> 00:09:08,020 I think we both agree that Somalia has 159 00:09:08,030 --> 00:09:10,469 made significant progress in the last 160 00:09:10,479 --> 00:09:12,830 year against Al Shabaab . You may have 161 00:09:12,840 --> 00:09:15,969 heard us say earlier that they've 162 00:09:15,979 --> 00:09:18,260 retaken more territory in the last year 163 00:09:18,270 --> 00:09:20,440 than they had in the previous five 164 00:09:20,450 --> 00:09:23,289 years . But we know that progress is 165 00:09:23,299 --> 00:09:25,466 not always a straight line . And so we 166 00:09:25,466 --> 00:09:28,099 may see things improve significantly on 167 00:09:28,109 --> 00:09:30,700 one day and maybe we maybe we'll see 168 00:09:30,710 --> 00:09:33,289 challenges on the next day . I had the 169 00:09:33,299 --> 00:09:35,466 opportunity to talk with the President 170 00:09:35,466 --> 00:09:39,099 of Somalia just yesterday 171 00:09:39,109 --> 00:09:41,690 while I was in Djibouti , great 172 00:09:41,700 --> 00:09:44,260 discussion with him and his approach . 173 00:09:44,270 --> 00:09:46,381 He talked about his approach to doing 174 00:09:46,381 --> 00:09:49,510 things and he recognizes that along 175 00:09:49,520 --> 00:09:52,309 with military operations , you also 176 00:09:52,320 --> 00:09:56,179 need to do things to provide benefit to 177 00:09:56,190 --> 00:09:57,857 the people . And so stability 178 00:09:57,857 --> 00:09:59,579 operations are really , really 179 00:09:59,579 --> 00:10:01,440 important . And I think 180 00:10:04,039 --> 00:10:06,261 all of us in a discussion today , agree 181 00:10:06,270 --> 00:10:08,159 with that point . So our approach 182 00:10:08,159 --> 00:10:10,599 across the continent has always been a 183 00:10:10,619 --> 00:10:13,479 combination of defense capability 184 00:10:14,640 --> 00:10:17,960 development and also diplomacy . And I 185 00:10:17,969 --> 00:10:20,169 think that's the right combination to 186 00:10:20,320 --> 00:10:23,340 ensure that you create lasting effects . 187 00:10:23,349 --> 00:10:25,127 But again , we've seen a lot of 188 00:10:25,130 --> 00:10:28,169 progress , progress is not always 189 00:10:28,179 --> 00:10:30,080 straight line , there will be 190 00:10:30,090 --> 00:10:33,429 challenges and , and uh and setbacks 191 00:10:33,440 --> 00:10:35,340 from time to time , but a lot of 192 00:10:35,349 --> 00:10:39,030 progress in the last year . Thank you . 193 00:10:40,859 --> 00:10:41,859 Yes , Mr Mao . 194 00:10:45,830 --> 00:10:47,909 Oh , thank you . Thanks again , 195 00:10:48,080 --> 00:10:50,039 Secretary Austin . Uh you just 196 00:10:50,049 --> 00:10:51,500 mentioned uh uh 197 00:10:55,760 --> 00:10:59,729 is calling of 198 00:10:59,789 --> 00:11:03,330 A U four Somalia . Does the 199 00:11:03,340 --> 00:11:05,940 US get ? 200 00:11:09,530 --> 00:11:10,530 Ok . 201 00:11:19,719 --> 00:11:20,260 And 202 00:11:25,679 --> 00:11:28,159 on the continent , France announced 203 00:11:28,210 --> 00:11:31,789 it's pulling its China and Russia 204 00:11:37,059 --> 00:11:40,630 or the between the US . On the one hand , 205 00:11:43,229 --> 00:11:45,450 security , peace and stability on the 206 00:11:45,460 --> 00:11:49,429 continent . Thank you . Thank you . So , 207 00:11:49,440 --> 00:11:51,607 thanks . I did have the opportunity to 208 00:11:51,607 --> 00:11:53,551 meet with the President of Somalia 209 00:11:53,551 --> 00:11:55,662 yesterday , as I said earlier , great 210 00:11:55,662 --> 00:11:57,884 discussion . And again , we had a great 211 00:11:57,884 --> 00:12:00,590 discussion today with the , with the 212 00:12:00,599 --> 00:12:01,390 secretary . 213 00:12:04,710 --> 00:12:06,869 His assessment is that he does need 214 00:12:06,880 --> 00:12:09,109 more time and he's faced with the 215 00:12:09,119 --> 00:12:12,929 difficult task of keeping pressure on 216 00:12:12,940 --> 00:12:15,890 Al Shabaab at the same time generating 217 00:12:15,900 --> 00:12:19,080 forces so that he can continue to be 218 00:12:19,090 --> 00:12:21,034 successful . There are a number of 219 00:12:21,034 --> 00:12:23,080 countries in the region that have 220 00:12:23,090 --> 00:12:25,380 helped with that forced generation , 221 00:12:25,599 --> 00:12:27,821 but there's still a lot more that needs 222 00:12:27,821 --> 00:12:29,988 to be done . So his assessment is that 223 00:12:29,988 --> 00:12:33,909 he does need more time and our 224 00:12:33,919 --> 00:12:36,719 concern is that again , we have 225 00:12:36,729 --> 00:12:38,896 established some momentum . We want to 226 00:12:38,896 --> 00:12:40,729 make sure that where possible we 227 00:12:40,729 --> 00:12:42,979 maintain that momentum . So I think 228 00:12:42,989 --> 00:12:45,219 countries in the region are looking for 229 00:12:45,229 --> 00:12:48,940 ways to continue to help . But in 230 00:12:48,950 --> 00:12:51,690 terms of what that's going to look like 231 00:12:51,700 --> 00:12:54,020 is yet to be defined . Now , I would 232 00:12:54,030 --> 00:12:56,197 also say that as I mentioned earlier , 233 00:12:56,197 --> 00:12:58,760 it's not just a military force as we 234 00:12:58,770 --> 00:13:01,390 discussed earlier , it requires 235 00:13:02,859 --> 00:13:05,349 substantial investment in other things , 236 00:13:05,359 --> 00:13:07,248 you know , economic development , 237 00:13:07,248 --> 00:13:10,919 things that get after the root causes 238 00:13:10,929 --> 00:13:13,919 of instability and so more investment , 239 00:13:14,039 --> 00:13:17,340 more things that we that he can provide 240 00:13:17,349 --> 00:13:20,000 to the people of Somalia to help 241 00:13:20,010 --> 00:13:22,039 maintain their support , I think is 242 00:13:22,049 --> 00:13:23,840 what he needs as well . 243 00:13:26,080 --> 00:13:29,750 I think we are here today to to 244 00:13:29,760 --> 00:13:32,590 strengthen our bilateral defense 245 00:13:32,599 --> 00:13:35,309 cooperation with the US , which dates 246 00:13:35,320 --> 00:13:38,900 back to the seventies . So our shared 247 00:13:38,909 --> 00:13:42,270 values , our cooperation on defense , 248 00:13:43,429 --> 00:13:45,979 respect for democracy and human rights , 249 00:13:46,820 --> 00:13:49,419 what we share with the US . And from a 250 00:13:49,429 --> 00:13:52,679 defense perspective , we are working 251 00:13:52,690 --> 00:13:55,739 very well with the US both in the whole 252 00:13:55,750 --> 00:13:58,390 of Africa in East Africa and in the 253 00:13:58,609 --> 00:14:01,030 region . And that's why you see our 254 00:14:01,039 --> 00:14:04,710 troops serving and our troops serving 255 00:14:04,719 --> 00:14:08,059 under the UN in DRC and our troops 256 00:14:08,070 --> 00:14:11,919 serving in DRC , Eastern DRC 257 00:14:12,080 --> 00:14:14,510 under the East African Regional Force . 258 00:14:14,969 --> 00:14:18,710 So our co operation with the US is 259 00:14:18,719 --> 00:14:20,886 fundamental and that's why we are here 260 00:14:20,886 --> 00:14:24,059 today . Secondly , I'm sure when 261 00:14:25,150 --> 00:14:27,299 issues of the region reaches the Un 262 00:14:27,309 --> 00:14:29,460 Security Council , all those other 263 00:14:29,469 --> 00:14:31,580 countries you're talking about , then 264 00:14:31,580 --> 00:14:33,580 they have their place and they have 265 00:14:33,580 --> 00:14:35,802 their space to contribute . Thank you , 266 00:14:35,802 --> 00:14:37,858 sir . Praise for our engagement with 267 00:14:37,858 --> 00:14:39,913 the US . What we do with them within 268 00:14:39,913 --> 00:14:41,969 our country and what we do with them 269 00:14:41,969 --> 00:14:44,090 within the region and Africa . Thank 270 00:14:44,099 --> 00:14:46,179 you , sir , Mary . I've seen you 271 00:14:46,190 --> 00:14:48,357 raising your hand . Let us give a lady 272 00:14:48,357 --> 00:14:51,179 also to ask a question . My question is 273 00:14:51,190 --> 00:14:54,150 to the both secretaries , what are some 274 00:14:54,159 --> 00:14:55,992 of the benefits contained in the 275 00:14:55,992 --> 00:14:57,881 defense cooperation that has been 276 00:14:57,881 --> 00:15:00,479 signed today ? And could you please 277 00:15:00,489 --> 00:15:03,330 elaborate if KDF is likely to have more 278 00:15:03,340 --> 00:15:05,760 intelligence share and maybe a smart 279 00:15:05,770 --> 00:15:09,640 technology for the use in boosting 280 00:15:09,650 --> 00:15:11,706 the war against Al Shabaab along the 281 00:15:11,706 --> 00:15:15,070 Kenya Somali border . Let me 282 00:15:15,080 --> 00:15:18,229 take uh the first one . I mean , the 283 00:15:18,239 --> 00:15:20,659 greatest terror group in East Africa 284 00:15:21,179 --> 00:15:25,099 now is Al Shabab , they recruit , 285 00:15:25,950 --> 00:15:28,919 they radicalize young people 286 00:15:30,119 --> 00:15:32,150 for their own terror operations 287 00:15:33,950 --> 00:15:37,219 and the US under this framework , we 288 00:15:37,229 --> 00:15:39,960 are working with them on the whole 289 00:15:39,969 --> 00:15:42,320 space of counter terrorism . 290 00:15:44,169 --> 00:15:46,809 You're working with the US in our 291 00:15:46,820 --> 00:15:50,020 maritime security . We are working with 292 00:15:50,030 --> 00:15:52,969 the US in bringing peace and security 293 00:15:52,979 --> 00:15:55,219 within the region , Horn of Africa and 294 00:15:55,229 --> 00:15:57,062 the Great Lakes region and other 295 00:15:57,062 --> 00:16:00,460 countries involved . And we are working 296 00:16:00,469 --> 00:16:04,190 with the US on our training and 297 00:16:04,200 --> 00:16:06,669 how the Kenya Defense Forces can be 298 00:16:06,679 --> 00:16:09,390 professionalized . And then finally , 299 00:16:09,859 --> 00:16:11,859 we have a serious cooperation under 300 00:16:11,859 --> 00:16:14,026 this framework on how we can gain from 301 00:16:14,026 --> 00:16:15,803 the US , technology , defense , 302 00:16:15,803 --> 00:16:18,859 technology and innovation that 303 00:16:21,400 --> 00:16:23,511 Thank you . Thank you , sir . I think 304 00:16:23,511 --> 00:16:25,678 because of time , I would like to have 305 00:16:25,678 --> 00:16:28,630 only one question . I can see CNN 306 00:16:28,640 --> 00:16:30,807 Natasha . You want to ask a question ? 307 00:16:37,239 --> 00:16:39,969 Thank you so much , Mr Secretary first 308 00:16:39,979 --> 00:16:43,010 for you . How will France's decision to 309 00:16:43,020 --> 00:16:45,076 remove all of its troops from by the 310 00:16:45,076 --> 00:16:47,330 end of the year affect the US military 311 00:16:47,340 --> 00:16:49,396 posture in the country ? Will the US 312 00:16:49,396 --> 00:16:51,679 keep its forces there even with one of 313 00:16:51,690 --> 00:16:53,599 its closest partners withdrawing 314 00:16:53,609 --> 00:16:56,159 completely ? And is France's withdrawal 315 00:16:56,169 --> 00:16:58,900 a blow to the counter terrorism war in 316 00:16:58,909 --> 00:17:01,619 West Africa , Writ large . And then for 317 00:17:01,630 --> 00:17:04,290 you , Mr Minister on the UN 318 00:17:04,300 --> 00:17:07,069 peacekeeping mission , once the UN does 319 00:17:07,079 --> 00:17:09,270 vote on a multinational security force 320 00:17:09,280 --> 00:17:11,859 for Haiti , how fast can that happen ? 321 00:17:11,890 --> 00:17:13,834 What is the timeline and when will 322 00:17:13,834 --> 00:17:15,946 boots actually be on the ground ? And 323 00:17:15,946 --> 00:17:18,001 is Kenya prepared for that long term 324 00:17:18,001 --> 00:17:19,557 security need . Thank you . 325 00:17:22,660 --> 00:17:25,709 Thanks , Natasha . Regarding France's 326 00:17:25,719 --> 00:17:27,830 decision , as you know , each country 327 00:17:27,830 --> 00:17:31,339 will make its own decisions for its own 328 00:17:31,349 --> 00:17:35,349 reasons . And I , I won't comment on 329 00:17:35,410 --> 00:17:37,521 France's decision or try to speak for 330 00:17:37,521 --> 00:17:39,743 France . But when it comes to our force 331 00:17:39,743 --> 00:17:42,979 posture in , we have not made any 332 00:17:42,989 --> 00:17:44,822 significant changes to our force 333 00:17:44,822 --> 00:17:48,369 posture . And as I have mentioned , a 334 00:17:48,380 --> 00:17:50,670 number of times before , we really want 335 00:17:50,680 --> 00:17:53,979 to see a diplomatic solution of all , 336 00:17:54,260 --> 00:17:56,316 we want to see a peaceful end to the 337 00:17:56,316 --> 00:17:58,920 crisis . And most important , we want 338 00:17:58,930 --> 00:18:02,579 to see preservation of 339 00:18:02,589 --> 00:18:04,939 Niger's diplomatically elected 340 00:18:04,949 --> 00:18:07,109 government . And so while we give 341 00:18:07,119 --> 00:18:10,449 diplomacy a chance , we will 342 00:18:10,459 --> 00:18:13,619 also continue to evaluate any future 343 00:18:13,630 --> 00:18:16,400 steps that would prioritize both our 344 00:18:16,410 --> 00:18:20,359 democratic and our security goals . But 345 00:18:20,369 --> 00:18:22,036 these goals are intertwined . 346 00:18:24,599 --> 00:18:28,400 I think on Haiti , Kenya has a 347 00:18:28,410 --> 00:18:31,709 very long history of global 348 00:18:31,719 --> 00:18:35,030 peacekeeping . We were in Kosovo , we 349 00:18:35,040 --> 00:18:37,390 were in Namibia , we were everywhere . 350 00:18:37,400 --> 00:18:39,719 We are now in Somalia , we are in DC . 351 00:18:40,520 --> 00:18:44,140 We have our officers in the monitoring 352 00:18:44,150 --> 00:18:48,060 and evaluation mechanism . When 353 00:18:48,510 --> 00:18:50,689 all the processes beginning with the 354 00:18:50,699 --> 00:18:52,939 approval by the Un Security Council are 355 00:18:52,949 --> 00:18:56,319 put in place . Kenya is ready . Kenya 356 00:18:56,329 --> 00:18:59,180 is willing to lead that multinational 357 00:18:59,329 --> 00:19:01,910 peacekeeping force that will go to 358 00:19:01,920 --> 00:19:05,069 Haiti . Thank you so much . I think for 359 00:19:05,079 --> 00:19:07,459 the interest of time . I know if we 360 00:19:07,469 --> 00:19:09,636 give you time , sir , you could ask as 361 00:19:09,636 --> 00:19:11,969 many questions as you could have wished . 362 00:19:11,969 --> 00:19:14,136 I request that . Now we move to , that 363 00:19:14,136 --> 00:19:16,413 marks the end of this press conference . 364 00:19:16,413 --> 00:19:18,525 Uh We now move to the photo session . 365 00:19:21,300 --> 00:19:21,910 We 366 00:19:25,420 --> 00:19:28,239 the first , the first photo is of both 367 00:19:28,250 --> 00:19:29,819 secretaries of defense . 368 00:19:34,180 --> 00:19:36,890 Then we will now we will also 369 00:19:38,089 --> 00:19:41,469 have the second photo , the CD F Kenya 370 00:19:41,479 --> 00:19:45,050 and the US ambassador to Kenya who will 371 00:19:45,060 --> 00:19:46,060 join in . 372 00:19:49,709 --> 00:19:53,079 OK . Then let us 373 00:19:53,089 --> 00:19:55,849 have the second photo with our C , the 374 00:19:55,859 --> 00:19:58,660 PS and the , the PS and the CD F .