Kenya's Kenyatta is first African leader to confer with Biden

United States president Joe Biden has shown that he will do better than predecessor Donald Trump in the area of multilateral cooperation and deepening of relations with all allies of America around the world.

Biden had earlier this month, sent a message of support and solidarity to the African Union when leaders gathered via video link for the 28th Summit of Heads of State and government.

Yesterday, the White House announced that Biden, as president, had held his first phone conversation with an African leader in the person of Kenya's Uhuru Kenyatta. Their discussions bordered on bilateral cooperation in the area of fight against terrorism and issues of regional diplomacy.

The other standout issue was the discussions around the crisis in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, where the PM Abiy-led government is battling with the erstwhile TPLF government.

February 25, 2021: Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya.

The President affirmed the importance of the strong U.S.- Kenya bilateral relationship. He also emphasized the United States’ continued commitment to working closely with Kenya to support regional peace and security, including at the United Nations Security Council.

The President applauded Kenya’s leadership in the Horn of Africa and commitment to counterterrorism, economic growth, addressing climate change, and sustainable development.

Presidents Biden and Kenyatta discussed the deteriorating humanitarian and human rights crises in Ethiopia’s Tigray region and the need to prevent further loss of life and ensure humanitarian access.

The leaders also discussed the need for cooperation on other matters of regional stability.