Kenya and the Federal Republic of Somalia agreed on Friday to strengthen cooperation in fighting terrorism, tackling drought, and resuming cross-border trade.
The agreements between Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Somalia counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mohamud were announced when the two held bilateral talks at State House Nairobi on Friday, July 15th, 2022.
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His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta receives his Federal Republic of Somalia counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at State House, Nairobi. pic.twitter.com/ZEaZfLtSJC— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) July 15, 2022
After the meetings, the two leaders agreed that Kenya and Somalia will collaborate with other regional and international actors to provide the much-needed humanitarian assistance to mitigate the effects of the drought in the Horn of Africa region.
They directed that the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) between the two nations be convened in Mogadishu in August to discuss and agree on matters of mutual interest.
Some areas include joint security activities, defense, agriculture, trade, intelligence exchange, health, education, training in various fields, and continuous review of the visa regime.
The two leaders said opening the border between the two countries will ease the movement of people and enhance trade in goods and services.
The two leaders also agreed to facilitate, diversify and promote trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
The United States has welcomed the renewed cooperation between the governments of Kenya and Somalia.
Delighted by the news that Kenya and Somalia agreed on concrete measures to advance their bilateral relationship. Great effort to increase security, stability, and prosperity for the people of East Africa. https://t.co/JzkaMvBoC1
— Bureau of African Affairs (@AsstSecStateAF) July 18, 2022
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