President Biden welcomed Kenyan President William Ruto to the White House on Thursday for an official state dinner as part of his efforts to deepen relations with the East African nation, a key ally in fighting against the Islamic State and other terror groups on the continent.
During the visit, Mr. Biden notified Congress of his intention to designate Kenya a “major non-NATO ally.” The designation is bestowed on countries whose militaries have strategic working relationships with the U.S., but not necessarily a mutual defense pact.
“Kenya is one of the United States Government’s top counterterrorism and security partners in sub-Saharan Africa, and the designation will demonstrate that the United States sees African contributions to global peace and security as equivalent to those of our Major non-NATO Allies in other regions,” Mr. Biden wrote in a letter to Congress.
During the visit, Mr. Biden notified Congress of his intention to designate Kenya a “major non-NATO ally.” The designation is bestowed on countries whose militaries have strategic working relationships with the U.S., but not necessarily a mutual defense pact.
“Kenya is one of the United States Government’s top counterterrorism and security partners in sub-Saharan Africa, and the designation will demonstrate that the United States sees African contributions to global peace and security as equivalent to those of our Major non-NATO Allies in other regions,” Mr. Biden wrote in a letter to Congress.
