President Uhuru Kenyatta has called for the strengthening of the international legal regime and institutions as part of global efforts to end maritime insecurity.

At the same time, the President appealed for the cessation of geopolitical rivalries saying tensions between nations were creating an environment that aids maritime insecurity.

“Competition between established and rising powers leaves us all, worse off.

Instead, we need a strengthened emphasis on observing international law and resisting the lure of promoting proxy rivalries in pursuit of narrow interests,”President Uhuru said.

The Head of State spoke yesterday during the virtual United Nations Security Council (UNSC) debate on maritime security.

The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, whose country holds this month’s UNSC presidency.

Terror links

Noting that threats to maritime insecurity such as terrorism, piracy and robbery at sea are predominantly a factor of land-based instability, he proposed the establishment of secure maritime routes and economic zones by strengthening the potential of countries to resolve domestic and regional security challenges.

“…international cooperation should prioritise equipping and training effective national coast guards. A properly contextualised regional and sub-regional approach is the way to go,” the President said.

Blue economy

The President said Kenya will continue to champion for environmental friendly and sustainable utilisation of blue economy resources noting that, the first ever global sustainable blue economy conference was held in Nairobi. 

Prime Minister Modi commended Kenya for being an important voice in the sustainable utilization of the blue economy. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Pham Minch Chinh of Vietnam, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken were other key speakers at the virtual meeting. – PSCU