[DETAILS] Ruto's Extensive Meeting With Somalia's President As KDF Redeployment In Cards

[DETAILS] Ruto’s Extensive Meeting With Somalia’s President As KDF Redeployment In Cards

Somalia’s President Hassan Mohamud concluded his two-day diplomatic visit to Kenya on Tuesday.

During his visit, Mohamud discussed several issues with President William Ruto at the State House in Nairobi.

The discussions focused on reviewing bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.

President Ruto emphasized the importance of deepening and strengthening the two countries’ robust bilateral cooperation.

On the other hand, President Mohamud praised Ruto for his unwavering support for Somalia’s state-building efforts, as well as his role in restoring peace, security, and stability in the Horn of Africa.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has concluded a productive working visit to Kenya, strengthening bilateral ties and addressing key regional issues with President William Ruto. Discussions focused on enhancing security, boosting trade, and ensuring a smooth transition from ATMIS… pic.twitter.com/UVfhEKQTOc
— Villa Somalia (@TheVillaSomalia) October 23, 2024

Mohamud went on to acknowledge the Kenya Defence Forces’ (KDF) significant role in the fight against terrorism, alongside Somali Security Forces and other African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troop-contributing countries.

ATMIS is a multidimensional military, police, and civilian mission authorized by the African Union (AU) and mandated by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to restore peace in Somalia. ATMIS began operations on April 1, 2022.

During the meeting, the two heads of state welcomed the establishment of the new African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), a multidimensional military mission that will replace ATIMIS.

The two presidents agreed on a smooth transition of security responsibilities from ATMIS to AUSSOM, which is set to begin January 1, 2025.

According to President Mohamud, AUSSOM must be adequately funded.

Similarly, President Ruto acknowledged the ongoing bilateral cooperation under the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) framework, which aims to strengthen ties between Kenya and Somalia.

Ruto and Mohamud reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations.

They also recognised the potential for both countries to use their comparative advantages to create a cohesive bilateral trade system.

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While acknowledging the vast opportunities in trade, the two leaders agreed to work toward removing barriers to further market opening and facilitating the movement of goods and services.

As a result, President William Ruto directed Trade Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya to explore ways to increase trade between the two countries and encouraged the private sector to benefit from the pro-business policies adopted by both countries.

Ruto and Mohamud emphasized the importance of ongoing and open dialogue to address issues of mutual interest and achieve mutual understanding.

They emphasised the importance of finding solutions that respect both nations’ rights and aspirations.

[DETAILS] Ruto’s Extensive Meeting With Somalia’s President As KDF Redeployment In Cards