Chinese Defence Minister General Cao Gangcuan on Monday pledged to help Kenya modernise its armed forces during talks with President Mwai Kibaki, an official statement said.
Kibaki said the ”support would not only improve the forces’ ability to ensure security along the borders but also enhance Kenya’s role in peacekeeping activities in Africa and beyond”, the Presidency statement said.
It did not elaborate the nature of the support, which is in line with China’s establishment of closer ties with African nations in the recent years.
Since 1979, officers from the Kenyan armed forces have been actively participating in several UN peacekeeping and peace support mission across the world.
Cao, also vice-chairperson of China’s Central Military Commission, is scheduled to travel to Kuwait and finally Thailand. — AFP
