Somalia, Kenya agree to resolve sea row in a mutually acceptable manner

NAIROBI, Kenya - Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo on Thursday held productive talks with his host, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, and agreed to normalize the bilateral relations between the two countries.

The two Heads of State later held a joint press conference where they made key announcements to foster strong relations for the prosperity of the people and the governments of the two nations.

"President Farmajo expressed gratitude for the role of Kenya in AMISOM, hospitality to Somali refugees, and expressed his confidence that the ICJ issue would be resolved in a mutually acceptable manner and not affect our bilateral relations," said Kenya's Foreign Affairs Minister, Monica Juma.

She added that the two leaders agreed to bring normality to our bilateral relations & do everything to ensure peaceful relations including obtaining visas on arrival to encourage free movement of the people.

Meanwhile, Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Isse Awad told VOA Somali Service that the case of the sea border row still remained where it is at the ICJ - International Court of Justice.

President Farmaajo acknowledged the role of the Kenyan government in providing peace and security in Somalia, especially, in the fight against terror groups.

“Kenya is part of AMISOM who lost good men and women in fighting Alshabab and terror groups in Somalia. Their sacrifice will not go in vain. Kenya and Somalia have developed close ties and positive relations which is based on mutual respect and equal footing,” said Farmaajo.

President Kenyatta started his statement by announcing the reinstatement of the direct Mogadishu-Nairobi flights which previously required flights from Mogadishu to make a mandatory stopover in Wajir.

“Within a week, necessary authorities should put in place that which is necessary to ensure that we now have direct flights once again from Mogadishu to Nairobi,” said Kenyatta.

Other measures announced by the two leaders also included the issuance of Visa on arrival to Somali government officials on an official visit.

President Farmaajo welcomed the decisions announced by his counterpart, President Kenyatta, on behalf of the Kenyan government and assured goodwill and support to strengthen the ties between the two neighborly nations.

“People basically take our differences other than our common interests and that is why I have to assure you that the ICJ issue will not affect our bilateral relationship and to make sure that we both benefit our government to government relations.” President Farmaajo remarked.

President Farmaajo concluded his address by thanking President Kenyatta for the cordial reception accorded to the Somali delegation since their arrival in the country for the High-level summit on population and development.

GAROWE ONLINE