Washington, DC - President Obama spoke by phone today with President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya to accept President Kenyatta’s condolences for the terrorist attack in Orlando, Florida.  

The President reiterated his appreciation for the strong partnership between Kenya and the United States on a host of issues, including combatting global terrorism and noted the progress Kenya has made on security.  The two leaders also discussed the challenges Kenya faces in hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees for more than two decades and the need for strong international support.  President Kenyatta reiterated that Kenya will continue to respect the dignity and safety of refugees in Kenya and comply with its international legal obligations.  The President and President Kenyatta agreed that the United States and Kenya would work closely together on this issue, to better ensure that the needs of refugees and host communities are met.