Kenya President Discusses Foreign Policy Toward Somalia

US-backed forces of the Somalia Transitional Federal Government and AMISOM enter the town of Wanlaweyn. The Horn of Africa nation is being occupied by imperialism utilizing proxy forces from the region., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Kenya: Uhuru Assures of Kenya's Commitment to Somalia

4 JUNE 2013

President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday reassured Somalia of Kenya's commitment to the stabilization of the war torn country within the framework of the IGAD peace process and in accordance with the country's Federal Constitution.

President Kenyatta made the remarks at State House Nairobi when he met with the President of Puntland Federal State of Somalia Abdirahman Mohamed Mohamud.

The President emphasized that the regional federal states of Somalia as established by the federal constitution remain the most important pillars for stability, peace and prosperity in Somalia.

He appealed to all those involved in the Somali peace process to acknowledge and support the role of regional federal states in working together with the Federal Government to bring sustainable peace and stability in that country.

President Kenyatta emphasized that Kenya has no intention of interfering with the domestic affairs of Somalia saying his Government's only agenda is to support the establishment of administrative structures as well as institutions necessary for the stabilization and reconstruction of Somalia.

Speaking during the meeting, President Mohamud of Puntland thanked the people and Government of Kenya for the support they have continued to extend to the people of Somalia in the search for peace and for hosting over 600,000 Somalian refugees.

President Mohamud reassured that Puntland remains committed to stabilization of Somalia adding that the regional federal state had stepped up ant-piracy measures which have contributed to the drastic reduction of piracy.

The President of Puntland informed President Kenyatta that the process of establishing federal member states in Somalia was a bottom-up approach, fully participatory and in accordance with the Federal Constitution.

He appealed to President Kenyatta, leaders of other IGAD member states, AU and the international community to support and encourage the people and leaders of Jubaland to complete the process.