Biden: Kenya is a major non-NATO ally

US President Joe Biden held a joint press conference with Kenyan President William Ruto at the White House. Biden stated that they are proud to recognize Kenya as a "major non-NATO ally."

12punto 24 May 2024

Kenyan President William Ruto traveled to Washington to meet with United States (US) President Joe Biden.

At the beginning of his speech, Joe Biden stated that the US would notify Congress of its intention to designate Kenya as a "major non-NATO ally" and that they are proud to take this step.

Stating that this development is a very important turning point for US-Kenya and US-Africa relations, Biden emphasized that they are fighting together with Kenya in Sub-Saharan Africa against terrorist organizations such as ISIS and Al-Shabaab, and that they will continue this cooperation.

This step by the US draws attention following the announcement by the military government in Niger in March that it would terminate its military cooperation agreement with the US, and the future course of the American military presence in Africa is now a subject of interest.

WHAT DOES 'MAJOR NON-NATO ALLY' MEAN?

Countries designated by the US as a "major non-NATO ally" are considered priority countries, particularly in the field of defense.

With this step, Kenya will be among the priority countries for arms purchases from the US, will be able to participate in arms tenders organized by the Pentagon, and will be able to conduct joint exercises with US troops.

Kenya will be the first country from Sub-Saharan Africa to be added to the "major non-NATO ally" category, which includes countries such as Israel, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Brazil.