Kenya is committed to fostering good relations with Somalia in areas of mutual interest to advance the socio-economic development of the two countries.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on Monday said the collaboration will be anchored on strong fraternal bonds that reinvigorate bilateral relations.
He said Kenya is keen on unlocking the full potential of relations it enjoys with Somalia and all her neighbours in the region.
“We shall endeavour to continue enjoying warm and cordial relations deeply rooted in a shared history, a common socio-cultural heritage, a shared border and commercial ties,” said Mudavadi.
He spoke at the third session of the Kenya-Somalia Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) held in Nairobi.
Mudavadi, who is also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Relations, said governments that work together encourage their citizens to do the same in a bid to enhance and expand the scope and breadth of their relations.
“This is not only because we share a common border but also because we have a strong and enduring partnership that has stood firm since our two countries established diplomatic ties in the 1960s,” he added.
He noted that the two countries established an elaborate mechanism in the form of the JCC to facilitate cooperation in many areas of mutual benefit.
“Since the last JCC and several high-level engagements, I appreciate that both countries have made strides in implementing a number of resolutions. For Kenya, we appreciate that mutually beneficial economic ties and investments flow between our two countries, and are the foundation for mutual benefit and integration,” Mudavadi said.
“I wish to acknowledge with appreciation the resumption of Kenya Airways commercial flights on February 14, 2024 and the Somali Civil Aviation Authority’s (SCAA) approval of KQ’s request for 2023/2024 winter season schedule of freighter flights commencing February 9, 2024,” he added.
The third session of the Kenya-Somalia JCC, serves to not only intensify but also solidify the bilateral ties with intense discussions conducted by the dedication of all technical officials involved in order to address issues.
Mudavadi congratulated Somalia for joining the East African Community having deposited her instruments of ratification of the Treaty of Accession on March 4, 2024 in Arusha, Tanzania.
He said this move will go a long way to help Somalia cement strong bilateral ties and become a key player on matters of trade and investment within the region and beyond.
“This demonstrates commitment to the promotion of good neighbourliness, economic development and stability, emphasizing the desire to address challenges through a collaborative approach in the region,” he said.
