Ndung'u Gethenji, chairman of the Kenyan Parliament’s Defense and Foreign Relations Committee, said in an interview with Al-Masry al-Youm that his country is counting on Egypt as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for 2016- 2017 to maintain security and peace in Africa.
He also said that President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is welcome to speak before the Kenyan Parliament, adding that no single state can monopolize the Nile, and that dialogue between the Nile Basin countries should achieve common interests.
Q: What did you and President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi talk about?
A: We talked about several things, particularly investments and bilateral trade relations.
Egypt is the most important economic partner of Kenya. It is the number one importer of meat and tea.
We also talked about increasing tourism between the two countries.
Q: And what did you discuss with Defense Minister Sedqi Sobhi?
A: I have expressed our desire to benefit from the expertise of the Egyptian army to improve the capabilities of the Kenyan army.
Q: What do you expect from Egypt as a non-permanent member of the Security Council?
A: We count on Egypt to maintain security and peace in Africa, specifically with regards to terrorism.
Q: What about the Nile Basin countries and the Renaissance Dam?
A: Everyone has the right to develop his country, but nobody can monopolize the Nile. It is the source of life for us all. Dialogue between the Nile Basin countries should achieve common interests.
Q: Did you invite President Sisi to speak before the Kenyan Parliament?
A: By all means. This reflects the strength of our mutual relations.
Q: How do you see Egypt’s role in the African continent under President Sisi?
A: Very influential. It recalls the great role played by President Nasser. President Sisi is able to bring Egypt back to the African continent. It is undertaking large projects, such as the railway between the East African countries that would promote trade.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
