By: Yusuf M Hasan
HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – The Kenyan Government is determined towards the enhancement of existing cordial relations with Somaliland.
This was revealed during a joint press briefing at the Hargeisa based Egal International’s VIP Lounge by a team from the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Somaliland representative in Kenya Dr Mahmud Jama Sifir upon their arrival from Nairobi
According to Dr Sifir the objective of the delegation which is composed of high powered officers from the Kenyan Foreign Affairs ministry is to officially formalize diplomatic relations between Nairobi and Hargeisa.
“Following the positive recommendations of an inspection mission by the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign affairs that was in Somaliland a fortnight ago the current delegation is here to officially open their Country’s Consulate General in Hargeisa.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that the person appointed as Kenyan Consul-General for Somaliland is a member of the visiting team and shall official assume duties upon presenting credentials to President Ahmed Mahmud Silanyo.
While briefing on their visit A Kenyan ministry of Foreign Affairs under secretary upon thanking the government for its warm welcome said that the delegation is in the country to formalize diplomatic relations with Somaliland.
“AS you are aware Kenyan and Somaliland are two brotherly countries and we are here to formalize the establishment of a Consular Office whose premises were rented two weeks ago by the preceding mission from the Kenyan Government.
The Kenyans desire to establish direct diplomatic relations with Somaliland, now a foregone conclusion, was first made public on 18th May 2012 during commemorations marking the 21st anniversary of Somaliland independence in Nairobi by the then Kenyan Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Richard Onyonka .
Said he, “Nairobi supports the recognition of Somaliland as an independent state and Kenya will encourage the countries of the African Union to officially recognize Somaliland” while addressing Kenyan Somalilanders at the 2012vanniversary commemorations in Nairobi
Upon assuming office the Government of President Uhuru Kenyatta whose secretary for foreign affairs Amina Mohamed is a Kenyan of Somaliland origin to the issue further when principal secretary at the ministry of foreign affairs Karanja Kibicho during a briefing to the Nairobi parliament earlier this year.
A short while later the government of Kenya announced its satisfaction with existing conditions as pertains to the establishment of its planned Consulate in Hargeisa as a result of assessment conducted by a four member team from the Kenyan ministry of foreign affairs in Hargeisa assisted by the Somaliland representative in Nairobi Ambassador Sifir a fortnight ago.
During its assessment mission the four members’ Kenyan team having been satisfied by conditions and before their departure rented premises to be utilized as a Consulate whose occupant is now in the country.
