On Monday, Kenya and Somalia inked an agreement on collaboration in the fields of political consultations, education, and defense during the 3rd session of the Somalia-Kenya Joint Commission for Cooperation.
"[I thank] my cabinet colleagues [...] and our ambassador to Somalia, Kubai Iringo, for joining this momentous session that has paved the way for broader collaboration on political consultations, education, and defense," Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi posted on X.
He also reportedly added that the three bilateral instruments seek to strengthen bilateral cooperation for the mutual advantage of the populations of both nations.
Mudavadi also emphasized the friendly and long-standing relations between his country and Somalia.
"Indeed, we continue to enjoy warm and friendly relations deeply rooted in a shared history, a common socio-cultural heritage, a shared border, and commercial ties," he wrote.
Mudavadi was echoed by Ahmed Moalin Fiqi, Somalia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, who pointed out that bilateral ties are driven by mutual goodwill and the strong commitment of both governments and peoples to collaborate in order to improve and broaden the scope and range of the connections, according to the media.
He also reportedly stated that both nations have actively worked towards strengthening collaboration in the areas of security and capacity building in healthcare. This includes enhancing the expertise of healthcare professionals and providing training for police officers.
Security seems especially important as both nations suffer from attacks by the terrorist group al-Shabaab*. Earlier this month, Kenyan security forces neutralized six of its members, local media said on Wednesday, citing officials. However, in late March, the terrorists launched an assault on a Somali military base in the country's southwest, killing at least 17 people, the media reported, citing a military officer.
* A terrorist organization banned in Russia and many other countries.