Kenya & Somalia meeting for security & trade in Mandera

Kenya and Somalia on Tuesday signed a cooperation and security deal to strengthen their economies and step up the fight against terrorism. Top government officials, including Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma and her Somali counterpart Ahmed Awad, resolved to engage each other on trade, security, cultural and socioeconomic matters.

The officials, who met in Mandera, said they would cooperate in wiping out al Shabaab terrorists. Awad described the resolution as a milestone that will go a long way in promoting economic prosperity while Monicah Juma said joint efforts are needed to win the anti-terror war.

This deal comes months after Kenya suspended the construction of the 700 km security wall at the Mandera-Somalia border to quell tensions.
Mandera Governor Ali Roba, who was also present, called for joint funding of the Mandera Training College whose construction is still ongoing.
In a quote he said, “To realise the full potential of such a college, we request for joint investment to support infrastructural development of the institution,”.

Meanwhile Somali prime minister, Hassan Ali Kheyre has thanked the Kenyan government for the ongoing cooperation on security and economic development.
He said the strong partnership between the two countries is good for the stability and progress of the East African region.
The Prime Minister was speaking on Tuesday at State House, Nairobi when he delivered a goodwill and condolence message to President Uhuru Kenyatta following the recent terrorist attack at Riverside Drive.

“The reconstruction of the country and the ongoing programs in economic development will help us reduce poverty and greatly contribute to our efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism,” Kheyre said.
Kheyre assured President Kenyatta that Mogadishu stands in solidarity with Nairobi in its fight against terrorism and violent extremism.