Use the Browser BACK button to return to listings

Nairobi, March 31 , 2006

President Mwai Kibaki receives the President of Somalia Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed when he paid him a courtesy call at State House, Nairobi.

President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia has thanked Kenya for being an integral part in its reconstruction process.

Briefing President Mwai Kibaki, as the Chairman of IGAD, on the outcome of the just concluded Brussels European Union Council meeting on Somalia at State House Nairobi today, President Ahmed appreciated the initiation of a program to train Somali Police Force in Kenya.

The visiting President noted that the training of the police force, which kicks off on April 6th with the first batch of 200 officers, was a move towards expediting the restoration of law and order in the country that experienced 15 years of no centralized administration.

The Somali President also briefed President Kibaki on the conclusions of the League of Arab states meeting on Somalia held in Khartoum, Sudan.

Noting that bilateral relations between Kenya and Somalia have grown following the pivotal role Kenya played in brokering peace in his country, the Somali leader requested President Kibaki to allow Kenya's ambassador to Somalia to set base within Somalia to boost the relationship.

Responding, President Kibaki said Kenya will continue supporting the people and the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia in their quest for stability in their country.

The President urged the people of Somalia to embrace dialogue in ensuring that stability and normalcy took root in the Horn of Africa country.

He encouraged President Ahmed to regularly consult him and other members of IGAD on any issues regarding peace and security in Somalia.

Present were Foreign Affairs Minister Raphael Tuju and Assistant Minister Moses Wetangula.