The Emir of Qatar congratulates Somalia and Kenya for the return of their relations

The Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, congratulated the Somali and Kenyan Presidents for what he described as their wise and courageous decision to restore diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Sheikh Tamim expressed his wishes for security and stability to Somalia, Kenya and their peoples, stressing that Qatar will always be a striving for good and a maker of peace.

The Somali Ministry of Information announced today, Thursday, the restoration of diplomatic relations between Kenya and Somalia, after they were interrupted for 5 months, after Mogadishu accused Nairobi of interfering in its internal affairs.

At a press conference in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, Abd al-Rahman Yusuf, the Somali Deputy Minister of Information, said that relations between Nairobi and Mogadishu had returned thanks to Qatari efforts.

The Somali official thanked the Emir of the State of Qatar for his efforts to restore relations between the two African countries.

Yusuf said that, in the interest of good neighborliness, Somalia announced the resumption of diplomatic relations with Kenya, adding that the Republic of Kenya welcomes this step which aims to protect the interests of good neighborliness between the two countries.

For its part, the Kenyan Foreign Ministry confirmed the resumption of diplomatic relations with Somalia, and said that it appreciates what it described as the continued support of the international community – especially the government of Qatar – in the normalization of relations with Somalia.

The Kenyan Foreign Ministry said that we are looking forward to the normalization of relations with the Somali authorities in trade, communication, transport and cultural exchange.