NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 8 — Kenya has joined defence and security leaders from 67 countries at the 2026 Seoul Defence Dialogue, as nations seek to reshape international security cooperation around stronger partnerships, joint capabilities and shared responses to emerging threats.

📻 Breaking It Down

Principal Secretary for Defence Patrick Mariru represented Kenya at the high-level forum in Seoul, which has brought together about 1,000 participants under the theme “Toward a New Coexistence in the Age of Turbulence.”

The dialogue comes amid a rapidly changing security environment in which traditional military alliances are increasingly being supplemented by cooperation on technology, economic security, crisis management, resilience, maritime security and counter-terrorism.

Mariru said the discussions underscored the importance of predictable roles and shared capabilities in building a more resilient security architecture.

📌 What You Need to Know

“This year’s SDD brings together approximately 1,000 participants from 67 countries, with Kenya among the participating nations, providing an important platform for strategic dialogue on emerging security challenges, strengthening partnerships and advancing collective approaches to global peace and stability,” Mariru said.

Opening the dialogue, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for stronger international security cooperation to confront increasingly complex global challenges.

South Korean Prime Minister Han Seong-sook reaffirmed her country’s commitment to using its manufacturing and defence industry capabilities to contribute to global peace and security, while highlighting the need for humanitarian assistance and effective disaster response.

For Kenya, participation in the Seoul forum provides an opportunity to engage with countries seeking new approaches to defence cooperation and to strengthen partnerships beyond traditional security arrangements.

Mariru attended the plenary session on the “Evolution of Alliances and Partnerships,” which examined how countries can build a more connected and resilient global security architecture.

The session brought together South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back, Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna, and Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya