General Bipin Rawat to visit East African countries for defense cooperation

Army chief General Bipin Rawat is scheduled to visit Tanzania and Kenya from December 17-20 where he will interact with military and political leaders of both the countries, officials said on Sunday.

During the visit, the Army chief-led delegation will interact with the senior military and political hierarchy of both countries with the aim to "enhance and energise" defence cooperation.

The Army Chief will also visit the National Defence College in Tanzania and key military establishments.

During the visit, General Rawat will meet Tanzanian Defence Minister Hussein Ali Mwinyi and Chief of Tanzanian Defence Forces General Venance S. Mabeyo.

In Kenya, he will meet Cabinet Secretary for Defence Raychelle Awour Omamo, and Chief of Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe.

"The visit to the African countries aims to give impetus to the military to military relationship with Tanzania and Kenya which has been nurtured over the years," an official release said.

(With inputs from agencies.)