India-Kenya to focus on defence, security cooperation: PM

New Delhi, Jan 11: India and Kenya on Wednesday held high-level discussions on common issues and agreed to focus on operatiolisation of bilateral defence cooperation. Speaking to media after the talks at Hyderabad House here between Prime Minister rendra Modi and visiting Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, Prime Minister Modi said: “We are also partnering to strengthen our security cooperation and capacities. We have directed the Joint Working Group to meet early.

“It would focus on cyber security, counter-terrorism, combating drugs, rcotics, human trafficking and money laundering.” The Kenyan President is paying a state visit to India from January 10 to 12.

Earlier during the day, Kenyatta was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Prab Mukherjee welcomed the visiting dignitary who was presented an impressive Guard of Honour on the Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt.

Prime Minister Modi had paid a visit to Kenya on July 10-11 last year. During the visit, India and Kenya signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation.

Following Wednesday’s talks here, Modi said some of the specific areas of priority would be hydrography, communications networks, anti-piracy, capacity building, exchanges and defence medical cooperation.

On the ongoing cooperation between the two tions in the field of Agriculture, Modi said: “The $100-million Line of Credit Agreement signed for agricultural mechanisation today (Wednesday) would open a new dimension of engagement. Long-term arrangement with Kenya for production and import of pulses is being explored and discussed.”

Both tions will have broad-based cooperation in agriculture and food security, and will collaborate to raise agricultural productivity in Kenya.

On bilateral business opportunities, Modi said: “(We) will encourage, industry and business in both countries to take lead in exploiting opportunities in healthcare, tourism, information technology, agriculture, blue economy and energy.” (IANS)