United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday held a call with President William Ruto acknowledging Kenya’s support for the UN mission in Haiti.
Biden thanked President Ruto for “answering Haiti’s call to serve as the lead nation of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission,” according to the White House.
“They welcomed the successful vote at the United Nations Security Council yesterday authorizing the MSS to bring relief to the people of Haiti, who have suffered for far too long at the hands of violent criminals,” said the White House in a statement about the telephone call.
“President Biden also congratulated President Ruto for hosting the recently concluded Africa Climate Summit and expressed appreciation for the U.S.-Kenya strategic partnership, which is founded on a pursuit of shared solutions to global challenges,” it said.
The two leaders also discussed “additional opportunities to promote regional security and mutual prosperity by spurring new investments, jobs, and sustainable growth.”
President Ruto had earlier promised the United Nations General Assembly that Kenya was more prepared in restoring peace and stability to the people of Haiti, who have suffered for far too long at the hands of violent criminals.
Besides the Haiti Mission and the Africa Climate Summit, the two presidents also discussed additional opportunities to promote regional security and mutual prosperity by spurring new investments, jobs, and sustainable growth.
“We will continue to engage on regional security, conflict resolution and the fight against terrorism to ensure the Horn of Africa has the room to focus on social and economic advancement,” President Ruto said after the talks.
The US has promised to support the mission financially and in any other capacity, a deal that was witnessed in a recent agreement between Kenyan Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and his US counterpart, Lloyd Austin Lloyd J. Austin III.
Kenya said that it is ready to send 1,000 troops to Haiti by January, who will be joined by other troops from other countries who will be joining the mission.
The Haitian government under Prime Minister Ariel Henry has been facing fierce threats from the organized gangs who have taken over the capital, Port-au-Prince.
The violence in Haiti has also affected children and led to abduction of people including foreigners who were on a mission.
