Kenya, Somalia vow to defeat terrorism through closer ties

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta expressed confidence on Tuesday that closer partnership between his country and Somalia will enable the two countries to overcome terrorism and other challenges facing them.

Speaking in Nairobi when he bade farewell to outgoing Somali Ambassador Gamal Mohamed Hassan, Kenyatta said he is particularly keen to see more coordination between the two countries in promoting peace.

"I want to assure President Mohamed that he has a friend here. I like his approach of prioritizing security and we will work together in this," he said in a statement issued in Nairobi after the ceremony.

The two countries have borne the brunt of terrorism attacks from Al-Shabaab militants who have increased their attacks on the two countries, especially in Somalia where the insurgents have been seeking to topple the government.

Kenyatta said he was also keen to work with his Somali counterpart in encouraging formal trade between Kenya and Somalia.

"I look forward to opening one border post -- either at Liboi or Mandera -- with President Mohamed to encourage the people of our two countries to do legal trade," President Kenyatta said.

"We need to work together to formalize the cross-border movement of our people," he added, noting that the two countries will be holding regular high-level meetings to enhance their cooperation, saying "Somalia's problem is our also our problem".

Hassan, who has been appointed a minister in the new Federal government, thanked Kenyatta and the people of Kenya for making his tour of duty successful. Endit