Russia to back KDF push to join Amisom

President Kibaki and visiting Russian Special Representative to Africa, Mr. Mikhail Margelov have called on the UN Security Council to fast-track the re-hatting of the Kenya Defence Force into AMISOM.

The two made the remarks following a meeting where they discussed the need to stabilize Somalia.

The re-hatting of the Kenya Defence Force follows recommendations by by IGAD and the African Union.

The President briefed the Russian special representative on the progress of Kenya’s military engagement in Somalia under "Operation Linda Nchi”.

At the bilateral level, the Head of State invited Russia to consider investing in the Kenyan manufacturing and infrastructure sectors especially the construction of a standard gauge railway line and expansion of the country’s road network.

President Kibaki said Kenya and Russia should also collaborate in the prospecting for oil and boosting other energy sources in the country.

Mr. Margelov, who is also the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Russian Upper House, reassured President Kibaki of his country’s support to Kenya at the international level.

He emphasized that Russia supports the finding of African solutions to the challenges facing Africa.

President Kibaki and Mr. Margelov expressed hope that the forthcoming London conference on Somalia will discuss and come up with a lasting solution that will be acceptable to the people of Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa region.

Present at the meeting were Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula, Acting Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Kimemia and the Director of Europe and Commonwealth division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amb. Lazarus Amayo.