Somalia and Kenya Reaffirm Commitment to Mutual Respect and Regional Cooperation

the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators for the Implementation of FOCAC Follow-up Actions in Changsha, H.E. Abdisalam Abdi Ali (Dhaay), Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya.

Minister Abdisalam used the opportunity to reaffirm Somalia’s position that all bilateral and multilateral engagements must be conducted through Somalia’s constitutionally recognized institutions. He emphasized that respect for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity is not only a legal principle but a foundation for good-neighbourly relations.

Somalia further stressed that interactions with unconstitutional or separatist actors risk undermining regional stability and mutual trust.In response, H.E. Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s unwavering support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia, in line with regional and international norms.

He further reiterated Kenya’s commitment to the values of good neighbourliness and regional stability.

Both sides agreed to expedite the convening of the Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) to finalize pending Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and advance cooperation across key sectors, including trade, education, infrastructure, and security.Minister Abdisalam conveyed Somalia’s deep appreciation for Kenya’s longstanding support to peace and stability in Somalia, particularly through its contribution of security personnel under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), a partnership that has spanned over 25 years.