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At the invitation of His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Muse Bihi Abdi, President of Somaliland paid an official visit to Kenya from 13 to 14 December 2020.The Presidents reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to deepen cordial relations bilateral relations between Kenya and Somaliland.
They noted with deep satisfaction that the cooperation between Kenya and Somaliland was based on shared values and principles aimed at promoting sustainable peace, stability, sustained growth and shared prosperity.
In this regard, they pledged to strengthen and deepen cooperation between Kenya and Somaliland.
The presidents affirmed that leaders have the responsibility to ensure peace and stability in the region, to enable the people to pursue economic, social development and stability.
As such, the two leaders recognized that Somaliland has remained peaceful and stable over the years, due to a commitment to democratic ideals and the establishment of strong governance institutions.
Kenya and Somaliland will continue to work together to promote peace and stability and for shared prosperity.
During their discussions, the leaders focused their attention on expanding bilateral trade, enhancing collaboration in air transport, including enabling direct flights between Nairobi and Hargeisa, as well as cooperation in agriculture, livestock development, education, energy and cooperation. between the ports of Mombasa and Berbera.
The Presidents directed their respective senior officials to work together to develop an overall framework cooperation agreement to:
i) Deepen the cordial relationships between people;
ii) Promote and diversify trade and investment;
iii) Improve security cooperation and information exchange to combat terrorism, cybercrime and organized transnational crime;
iv) Enhance cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture, livestock development, education, energy and transport; and,
v) Promote training and capacity building.
To fulfill the commitments made, the two leaders agreed on the following deadlines for the implementation of a series of activities:
me. Kenya will open its Consulate in Hargeisa at the end of March 2021. Somaliland will also update its Liaison Office in Nairobi within the same period.
ii. Kenya Airways and other Kenyan airlines will begin direct flights between Nairobi and Hargeisa in late March 2021.
iii. Senior officials on a predetermined list and traveling to Kenya with travel documents from Somaliland to apply for an e-Visa and receive the visa upon arrival in late March 2021;
iv. Senior officials from Kenya and Somaliland will agree on the details and timelines to enhance technical cooperation, including the implementation of exchange programs involving students, agricultural officials, doctors, nurses and other professionals.
The two leaders pledged to continue working together to safeguard peace and stability in the Horn of Africa region.
They noted that Al-Shabaab continues to pose a significant threat to the region. In this regard, they called for strong international commitment and support for efforts to combat terrorism in the Horn of Africa.
The two leaders recognized Kenya’s commitment to a peaceful, stable, strong and prosperous Somalia, in which the voices of all the people of Somalia have the opportunity to express their sovereign will.
At the conclusion of the Official Visit, His Excellency President Muse Bihi Abdi thanked His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta and the people of Kenya for the progress made in deepening bilateral relations during the visit, as well as for the warm welcome and the generous hospitality. granted to him and his delegation.
His Excellency President Kenyatta wished His Excellency President Muse Bihi Abdi good health and long life; and peace and stability for the people of Somaliland.
STATE HOUSE, NAIROBI.
This article first appeared in the Somaliland Chronicle and is republished with permission.
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