Kenya and Somalia have pledged to nurture positive relations in mutually beneficial areas, to promote socio-economic development between the two nations.
This commitment was expressed during the conclusion of the third session of the Kenya-Somalia Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) in Nairobi on Monday, May 6.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi while presiding over the meeting emphasised that the collaboration will be rooted in strong fraternal bonds, revitalising bilateral relations through goodwill and determination.
“We aim to maintain warm and friendly relations, deeply anchored in our shared history, common socio-cultural heritage, shared borders, and commercial ties,” he said.
The third session of the JCC which kicked off on May 3, solidified the bilateral ties between the two neighbouring nations.
Mudavadi underscored Kenya’s eagerness to fully harness the amicable relations it enjoys with Somalia and all its regional neighbours.
The meeting coincides with Somalia’s recent accession to the East African Community, following the deposit of her instruments of ratification of the Treaty of Accession on March 4, 2024, in Arusha, Tanzania.
Mudavadi expressed that this development will significantly aid Somalia in strengthening its bilateral ties and becoming a prominent player in regional and international trade and investment.
He further added that the stability of countries within the region is crucial in addressing key socio-political and economic issues.
The Prime CS also expressed Kenya’s appreciation for the efforts made in enhancing cooperation in the fields of security, capacity building in health through the training of health professionals, and the training of police officers.
“Kenya values the initiatives taken to boost cooperation in security, health capacity building through the training of health professionals, and police officer training,” he noted.