High-Stakes Meeting Between Somalia’s Prime Minister and Kenya’s Deputy President Sparks Diplomatic Dialogue in Nairobi
Somalia’s PM engages in high-level discussions with Kenya’s vice president in Nairobi.
At the bidding of the Deputy President of Kenya, Hamza Abdi Barre, Prime Minister of Somalia, paid an official visit to Kenya from May 6 to May 8, 2024.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and PM Hamza Abdi Barre met in Nairobi on May 7, 2024, engaging in talks focused on various bilateral, regional, and international matters of shared importance.
During the talks, both leaders acknowledged the strong historical ties between their nations and highlighted the need to further develop their partnership.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had several Cabinet Secretaries accompanying him to the meeting, covering various areas such as foreign affairs, defense, agriculture, trade, and more.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre was also joined by ministers responsible for foreign affairs, defense, security, education, transportation, and commerce during the talks.
The official visit followed the 3rd session of the Kenya-Somalia Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) held from May 3 to May 6, 2024.
Both leaders praised the warm relations between their countries and emphasized the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation.
PM Hamza Abdi Barre expressed condolences for the recent floods in Kenya and pledged Somalia’s support to the affected communities.
They discussed various sectors of bilateral cooperation, including trade, defense, security, education, and the economy, among others.
The importance of strengthening international partnerships and supporting each other during crises was also highlighted during the talks.
Both leaders recognized the expanded East African Community integration with Somalia’s membership, paving the way for improved regional integration and trade cooperation.
They reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trade and investment relations, promoting economic benefits for both countries.
Measures to facilitate the movement of people and goods between Kenya and Somalia were discussed to enhance trade cooperation.
Efforts to enhance cooperation in the Blue Economy and combat terrorism and transnational crimes were also highlighted.
The Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) was emphasized as a significant platform for advancing mutual interests and bolstering bilateral relations.
