Kenya and Somalia continue to intensify their diplomatic engagements and cooperation in different fields after a difficult period in which ties were severed.
Prime CS and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi and his Somali counterpart Ahmed Moalim Fiqi led the Ministerial Session of the Third Kenya – Somalia Joint Commission for Cooperation in Nairobi, and signed the agreed minutes of the Senior Official Meeting segment.
Following the signing Mudavadi hailed the Kenya-Somalia cordial ties and applauded the efforts made by both delegations in convening the 3rd Session of the thrird JCC.
According to Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussions focused on areas of enhancing cooperation in trade, infrastructure, security, agriculture, tourism, health, education and blue economy.
“The 3rd session of the JCC underscored a firm commitment to enhancing bilateral relations for mutual prosperity and regional stability. During the session the two countries signed two MoUs on education and political diplomatic affairs,” the ministry said in a dispatch.
In attendance at the talks were Transport and Infrastructure CS Kipchumba Murkomen, Trade and Investment CS Rebecca Miano, Defence CS Aden Duale and Education counterpart Ezekiel Machogu, as well as Ambassador to Somalia Kubai Iringo.
SHARED INTERESTS
Mudavadi said Kenya and Somalia continue to enjoy “warm and friendly” relations deeply rooted in a shared history, a common socio-cultural heritage, a shared border and commercial ties.
“Our bilateral relations are driven by goodwill and the determination between our two governments and people to work together towards enhancing and expanding the scope and breadth of our relations,” Mudavadi said.
The Somalia side noted that the two states have taken a significant step forward in strengthening their bilateral relationship through the signing of the crucial agreements covering foreign affairs, security, economy, trade and social services.
The talks were underway as Somalia Prime Minister Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Bare visits the country, whereby he is expected to hold talks with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. A deal on miraa farming, a one of the key dockets in the DP’s office, is expected to be discussed.
Somalia Ambassador to Kenya Jabril Abdulle had earlier said the bilateral relationship between Kenya and Somalia is on an upward trajectory, reflecting a matured level of cooperation and partnership.
“Somalia’s recent accession to the East African Community (EAC) further solidifies this historical bond, promising mutual benefits and opportunities for both our peoples.
“The 3rd JCC stands as a testament to the renewed commitment to cooperation, ensuring that the people of Kenya and Somalia will reap the fruits of this strengthened partnership. As the sessions progress, optimism and enthusiasm for a brighter shared future resonate among delegates and citizens alike,” the ambassador said.
WARMING OF TIES
In February, Kenya Airways reintroduced nonstop flights to Mogadishu, Somalia, signaling a landmark achievement in regional connectivity and development.
KQ said the thrice-weekly flights would bring about greater convenience of nonstop travel, focusing on reduced travel time and enhanced accessibility between Nairobi and Mogadishu.
Initially launched in December 2018, the flights to Mogadishu were suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic, but the signing of a bilateral air services agreement between Kenya and Somalia in August 2023 paved the way for direct flights.
Kenya has also proposed a regional maritime treaty to resolve tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia after the former reached a deal with the Somaliland government on New Year for port access and a naval base in the breakaway territory, signaling closer confidence in the Nairobi-Mogadishu ties.
This against the maritime dispute that ended up at the International Court of Justice and the severing of ties in 2020, when Mogadishu accused Nairobi of violating Somali sovereignty and meddling in its internal affairs.
The two countries are, however, competing for the African Union Commission chairship, with Nairobi fronting Raila Odinga, while Somalia is backing Fawzia Adam, who has also been endorsed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
