Current:Home > InvestBiden moves to designate Kenya as a major non-NATO U.S. ally-LoTradeCoin
Biden moves to designate Kenya as a major non-NATO U.S. ally
View Date:2024-12-24 00:35:03
Washington — President Biden on Thursday announced his intent to designate Kenya as a major non-NATO U.S. ally, the first such designation for a sub-Saharan African country.
The president made the announcement during Kenyan President William Ruto's state visit to the White House, the first for an African leader since the George W. Bush administration. The trip also coincides with the 60th anniversary of U.S.-Kenyan diplomatic relations.
"I'm proud to announce we're working with Congress to designate Kenya a major non-NATO ally," Mr. Biden said during a joint press conference with the Kenyan president. "That's a fulfillment of years of collaboration. Our joint counterterrorism operations have degraded ISIS and al-Shabaab across East Africa. Our mutual support for Ukraine has rallied the world to stand behind the U.N. Charter. And our work together on Haiti is helping pave the way to reduce instability and insecurity."
Presidents can grant the major non-NATO ally designation to countries that have close strategic working relationships with the United States, a senior administration official told reporters on a call. Once the president informs Congress of the move, there is a 30-day period before the designation will go into effect. The designation, under U.S. law, provides foreign partners with defense, trade and security cooperation benefits.
"This is a powerful symbol of the close relationship our two countries share, and we welcome the increased cooperation on security and mutual priorities this action signals," Mr. Biden and Ruto said in a joint statement Thursday.
The designation announcement comes as Kenyan police officers are set to arrive in Haiti, as multiple nations seek to quell a surge in gang violence in Haiti's capital city. The U.S. is also providing intelligence and equipment in the effort, as Mr. Biden said Thursday.
"Gangs and criminals do not have nationalities," Ruto said during the news conference. "They have no religion. They have no language. Their language is one — to deal with them firmly, decisively, within the parameters of the law. And that's why we're building a coalition of nations beyond Kenya and the U.S., many who are making contributions."
Mr. Biden had pledged to visit the African continent in 2023, but he still has yet to schedule a trip. On Wednesday, the president said he would visit the continent in February 2025, if he's reelected.
Kathryn WatsonKathryn Watson is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital, based in Washington, D.C.
veryGood! (39)
Related
- Sister Wives’ Janelle Brown Alleges Ex Kody Made False Claims About Family’s Finances
- 37 people connected to a deadly prison-based Mississippi gang have been convicted, prosecutors say
- 2 killed, 2 escape house fire in Reno; 1 firefighter hospitalized
- No. 2 Michigan suspends staffer after NCAA launches investigating into allegations of sign-stealing
- NFL MVP rankings: Does Steelers QB Russell Wilson deserve any consideration?
- How an undercover sting at a Phoenix Chili's restaurant led to the capture of canal killer
- Questions linger after Connecticut police officers fatally shoot man in his bed
- AP Week in Pictures: Latin America and Caribbean
- Brian Kelly asks question we're all wondering after Alabama whips LSU, but how to answer?
- The 10 Best Sales to Shop This Weekend: Wayfair, Ulta, J.Crew Factory, Calpak, Kate Spade & More
Ranking
- Florida Man Arrested for Cold Case Double Murder Almost 50 Years Later
- Greek economy wins new vote of confidence with credit rating upgrade and hopes for investment boost
- Cheryl Burke Says She Wasn't Invited to Dancing With the Stars' Tribute to Late Judge Len Goodman
- Navigator cancels proposed Midwestern CO2 pipeline, citing ‘unpredictable’ regulatory processes
- Bodyless head washes ashore on a South Florida beach
- Megan Thee Stallion and former record label 1501 Entertainment settle 3-year legal battle
- Spain’s royals honor Asturias prize winners, including Meryl Streep and Haruki Murakami
- AP Week in Pictures: Latin America and Caribbean
Recommendation
-
Who's hosting 'SNL' tonight? Musical guest, start time, where to watch Nov. 9 episode
-
Rescued American kestrel bird turns to painting after losing ability to fly
-
New York woman comes forward to claim $12 million prize from a 1991 jackpot, largest in state history
-
Judge threatens to hold Donald Trump in contempt after deleted post is found on campaign website
-
Sister Wives’ Christine Brown Shares Glimpse Into Honeymoon One Year After Marrying David Woolley
-
Natalee Holloway fought like hell moments before death, her mom says after Joran van der Sloot's murder confession
-
A stampede in Kenya leaves 4 dead and about 100 injured during an event marking an annual holiday
-
Philippine military ordered to stop using artificial intelligence apps due to security risks