President Mohamud,Ruto Reaffirm Somalia-Kenya Ties during Talks in Narok

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NAROK, Kenya: Federal Government of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held talks with Kenyan President William Ruto on Sunday during a one-day working visit to Kenya, with the two leaders reaffirming bilateral ties and discussing ways to strengthen cooperation between the neighbouring countries.

The meeting, held in Kenya’s Narok County, focused on relations between Somalia and Kenya, which share deep economic, security and diplomatic links as well as a long common border.

According to officials, the two presidents reviewed areas of mutual interest and reiterated their commitment to maintaining strong cooperation on regional stability, trade, security and development.

The visit comes at a time when both countries are seeking to deepen collaboration on security matters, particularly in the fight against the militant group Al-Shabaab, which continues to pose a threat in parts of Somalia and the wider region. Kenya remains one of the key troop-contributing countries to the African Union-led stabilization mission in Somalia and has played a significant role in regional security efforts for more than a decade.

Relations between Mogadishu and Nairobi have improved considerably in recent years following a period of diplomatic tensions that culminated in a maritime boundary dispute before the International Court of Justice. Since then, both governments have prioritized rebuilding political and economic ties, with leaders from the two countries holding regular consultations on regional issues.

The talks also come as East African nations seek closer economic integration through the East African Community (EAC), which Somalia formally joined in 2023. Kenyan businesses remain among the largest investors in Somalia, particularly in sectors such as banking, telecommunications, aviation and trade.

Observers say continued cooperation between Somalia and Kenya is critical not only for bilateral relations but also for broader efforts to promote stability, economic growth and regional integration across the Horn of Africa and East Africa.

Neither side immediately disclosed whether specific agreements were reached during the meeting, but officials described the discussions as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the longstanding partnership between the two countries.