By Phyllis Mwende
Kenya and Somalia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, with a renewed focus on finalizing agreements aimed at enhancing collaboration in various sectors.
While attending the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Ministers’ Summit, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi held talks with Somalia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Abdisalam Omer Dhaay.
“We agreed to expedite the convening of Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meetings to finalise key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs),” Mudavadi stated, adding that the agreements would strengthen strategic sectors for both nations.
Somalia’s Foreign Minister, H.E. Ali, expressed gratitude for Kenya’s longstanding support over the past 25 years, especially through the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
“Kenya’s deployment of security personnel has played a vital role in stabilizing our country,” H.E. Ali said.
In response, Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s dedication to peaceful coexistence with its neighbors.
“Kenya remains committed to good neighbourliness and mutual prosperity,” he noted.
Both leaders underscored the historical and cultural ties between Kenya and Somalia that predate independence and have since evolved into strong socioeconomic partnerships.
Present during the meeting were Kenya’s Ambassador to China, H.E. Willy Bett; Somalia’s Ambassador to China, H.E. Hodan Osman Abdi; Ambassador Jane Major, Director of Asian Affairs at Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Mr. Said Jama Mire, her Somali counterpart.
The meeting highlighted shared priorities in peace, security, trade and regional development, setting the tone for enhanced cooperation between the two nations.