Kenya’s President William Ruto of Kenya welcomed his Somali counterpart, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, to the State House in Nairobi for a meeting that focused on trade, peace, and security in the region.
President Ruto expressed satisfaction with the discussions, emphasizing the importance of fostering stability and cooperation between the two neighboring nations.
“Held fruitful talks with President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud touching on trade, peace, and security in the region, at State House Kenya, Nairobi County. Kenya is glad that stability in Somalia is creating a favorable environment for trade between the two countries. Resumption of Kenya Airways flights to Somalia is a mark of enhanced economic development,” President Ruto remarked after the meeting.
The leaders delved into various aspects of bilateral cooperation, with a particular emphasis on enhancing economic ties and the positive impact of stability in Somalia on regional trade. President Ruto highlighted the recent resumption of Kenya Airways flights to Somalia as a significant milestone, reflecting an increased focus on economic development and collaboration.
This high-profile meeting comes just a day after President Ruto hosted Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Ahmed Abiy for a two-day visit. The timing of these diplomatic engagements is crucial, given the recent tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia.
President Ruto’s back-to-back meetings with regional leaders underscore Kenya’s commitment to fostering diplomatic relations and addressing key regional challenges. As East African nations navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, the diplomatic efforts by President Ruto aim to promote stability, peace, and economic development in the region. The outcomes of these discussions are anticipated to have a lasting impact on the diplomatic landscape of East Africa.
Sheikh Mohamud is also in Kenya to attend the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6).
