Somalia’s PM Hamsa Abdi Barre arrives in Kenya for important meeting
Nairobi – Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre landed in Nairobi on Monday for a crucial discussion on economic cooperation with Kenya, a vital trade partner in the East African region. He was welcomed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by senior Kenyan officials including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
Barre is set to participate in the Joint Commission for Cooperation meeting in Nairobi and will also hold a bilateral meeting with Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who will be representing President William Ruto.
In a statement, Duale expressed, “Together with Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, we welcomed Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi. Barre is scheduled to attend the Ministerial Segment of the Kenya-Somalia 3rd Session Joint Commission for Cooperation. Additionally, he will engage in a high-level bilateral meeting hosted by Deputy President H.E Rigathi focused on mutual interests between the two countries.”
Despite past disagreements such as the maritime dispute recently resolved at the International Court of Justice, Kenya and Somalia have maintained a strong partnership. Somalia has collaborated closely with Kenya on security matters, particularly in combatting Al-Shabaab insurgents. The Kenyan government has deployed about 3,500 troops as part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia.
Kenya has also heightened border surveillance with Somalia due to the activities of Al-Shabaab militants. Moreover, Somalia serves as a significant market for Kenya’s Khat (Miraa) crop, primarily cultivated in central areas.
**AXADLETM**