Kenya, Somalia eye closer ties in war against terrorism

Maintaining close ties and strategic cooperation between Kenya and Somalia are vital to the war against terrorism, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.

Mr Kenyatta noted that it was through fostering strong bonds that the two States would be able to establish political, security and economic strategies to defeat their common enemy.

“Kenya's peace is tied to yours. Kenyans are tired of poverty and the politics of division. I am sure the same is true of the people of Somalia,” he said Thursday during a State banquet when he hosted newly elected Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed.

The Somali leader was accompanied by his wife, First Lady Saynab Abdi Maalim.

“We are bound together by history, by geography and by the connections between our peoples,” Mr Kenyatta added.

He also commended President Mohamed for being elected as the new leader of Horn of Africa State, saying the successful election and subsequent peaceful handing over of power is proof of the enormous strides Somalia has made.

In his remarks, President Mohamed thanked President Kenyatta and the people of Kenya for standing with Somali people in their greatest hour of need.

“I want to thank the Government and the people of Kenya for the continued and sustained support to Somalia throughout the last two decades as we went through a very tough time,” said the Somalia President.

He assured President Kenyatta of his support, saying Kenya can count on him as an ally in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

Also in attendance were Deputy President William Ruto, Cabinet Secretaries, diplomats and other senior government officials.