Kenya, Somalia leaders discuss regional security, climate at China-Africa Summit

President William Ruto and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud discussed security, climate change, and regional issues during a meeting on the sidelines of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing, China.

The two leaders focused on strengthening cooperation between their countries to address these shared concerns.

President Ruto emphasised the importance of the strong relationship between Kenya and Somalia, noting that collaboration on regional matters is essential.

"We cherish our bilateral relations with Somalia and the continued cooperation on regional issues, including peace, security, and climate action," said Ruto on X.

He also highlighted the need for stability in the Horn of Africa, saying it is key to creating an environment conducive to development.

Villa Somalia, the office of the Somali presidency, released a statement noting that the two leaders addressed several topics of mutual concern. These included security, climate change, and regional issues.

According to the statement, both leaders agreed that stability and prosperity in the region depend on upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the Horn of Africa.

"Both leaders underscored that stability and prosperity in the region is anchored in upholding sovereignty and territorial integrity of fellow countries," read part of the statement released by Villa Somalia.

The leaders also discussed the ongoing threat of international terrorism. They reiterated their commitment to addressing this issue, which has been a long-standing challenge for Kenya and Somalia.

The East Africa region has faced continued security threats from groups such as Al-Shabaab, which has disrupted peace efforts in both Kenya and Somalia.

The leaders' discussion is seen as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and address these shared challenges.

The meeting between the leaders of Somalia and Kenya comes a day after President Hassan Sheikh met with his Eritrean counterpart Isaias Afwerki amid the renewed tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia over the anticipated deployment of Egyptian forces as part of a peacekeeping mission set to begin next year in Somalia.

Egypt recently delivered its first military aid to Somalia in more than four decades, a move likely to deepen strains between Ethiopia and Somalia.

This growing closeness between Egypt and Somalia follows Ethiopia's preliminary agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, to lease coastal land in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland's independence.

This agreement has further strained relations between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa.

On the other hand, President Ruto on Wednesday met with leaders from Chad, Mali, Guinea-Bissau, and Togo to discuss bilateral and continental matters, particularly lobbying for Raila Odinga's candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position.

Raila aims to succeed Moussa Faki Mahamat, a Chadian, as the next AUC Chairperson in February next year.