Somalia and Kenya agree to normalise relations amid border row

By: PSCU

NAIROBI—Kenya and Somalia have today agreed to normalise bilateral relations starting with the restoration of the issuance of travel visas on arrival arrangement for citizens of the two nations.

The restoration of the visa on arrival arrangement is aimed at enhancing free and unhindered movement of people and commerce between Kenya and Somalia.

The agreement was reached today during a meeting between Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta and Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed of the Federal Republic of Somalia on the sidelines of the just concluded Nairobi ICPD25 summit.

During the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed the invaluable relations that exist between Kenya and Somalia and agreed to explore avenues of strengthening bilateral and diplomatic ties between Nairobi and Mogadishu for the benefit of the citizens of the two nations.

“We have a lot in common: people to people, Government to Government, business to business.

“Ofcoarse we have trade that is mutually beneficial to both countries but people [talk about] our differences rather than our common interest,” President Farmajo stated.

President Mohamed conveyed his gratitude to President Kenyatta for the role Kenya continues to play in AMISOM and for the hospitality the country continues to accord Somali refugees.

“Their sacrifices will not go in vain,” President Farmajo said.

The Somali leader expressed confidence that the maritime boundary dispute between his country and Kenya that is currently before the International Court of Justice in The Hague will be resolved in a mutually acceptable manner.

“We have a lot in common and we should not let the ICJ (International Court of Justice) issue effect our bilateral relations,” Farmaajo added.