Kenya and Somalia have reaffirmed their enduring ties and pledged to accelerate bilateral cooperation during high-level discussions at the FOCAC Ministers’ Summit. The talks focused on enhancing joint development, finalising cooperation agreements, and reinforcing peace and security efforts in the region.
Highlights:
- Kenya and Somalia to fast-track Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meetings.
- Both nations committed to finalising key MoUs in various sectors.
- Somalia thanked Kenya for 25 years of support, especially in peace missions.
- The meeting took place on the sidelines of the FOCAC Ministers’ Summit in China.
- Top diplomatic officials from both countries were in attendance.
Main Story
Kenya and Somalia, bound by deep-rooted cultural and socioeconomic connections, are taking strategic steps to reinforce their bilateral relationship. This renewed push was confirmed during a sideline meeting at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Ministers’ Summit, where foreign ministers from both nations met to chart a forward-looking agenda.
Kenya’s representative met with Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Abdisalam Omer Dhaay, where both sides agreed to expedite the Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meetings. The goal is to finalise Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering trade, security, cultural exchange, and infrastructure development.
Somalia expressed gratitude for Kenya’s long-term commitment to regional stability—particularly its role in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Over the past 25 years, Kenyan forces have played a significant part in supporting Somalia’s journey towards peace.
Kenya reiterated its dedication to strengthening diplomatic and developmental engagement with Somalia. The message was clear: both nations stand to gain from a stable, prosperous Horn of Africa, and mutual collaboration remains a top priority.
The meeting was also attended by top diplomats including Kenya’s Ambassador to China H.E. Willy Bett, Somalia’s Ambassador H.E. Hodan Osman Abdi, Ambassador Jane Major, and Mr. Said Jama Mire—directors of Asian Affairs from the respective foreign ministries.
As Kenya and Somalia work to deepen their partnership, their shared vision for regional peace and prosperity continues to drive bold steps toward unity and progress.
