The Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Somalia's decision to restore diplomatic ties with Kenya.
On Friday the Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement confirming that Kenya had taken note of Somalia's move and will engage with the Horn Of Africa nation further.
"Ministry of Foreign Affairs looks forward to further normalization of relations by the Somali authorities including with regard to trade, communication, transportation, people to people relations and cultural exchanges," the press release read in part.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledges the continued support that has been extended from the international community, and in particular the Government of Qatar, in efforts to normalize the diplomatic relations between Somali and Kenya," it concluded.
This comes after a statement released on Thursday, May 6, 2021, by Somalia indicated that the two countries had resolved to end the dispute as a gesture of keeping with interest in good neighbourliness.
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The talks to end the diplomatic row between the two countries were mediated by the Emir of Qatar.
"Mogadishu 6th May 2021, the Federal Government of Somalia announces that in keeping with the interest of good neighbourliness, it has resumed diplomatic relations with the Republic of Kenya.
"The two governments agree to keep friendly relations between the two countries on the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence," the statement read in part.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Somalia counterpart expressed gratitude to the Emir of the State of Qatar for brokering the peace talks.
Somalia severed ties with Kenya on December 15, 2020, accusing the latter of interfering with its sovereignty.
The country's Information Minister Osman Dubbe then proceeded to recall all Somali diplomats from Kenya, while ordering Kenyan diplomats to leave the country.
