President Uhuru Kenyatta has said that it is time for a fresh start to Kenya and Somalia relations.
In a statement on Tuesday, after a meeting with Somalia Prime Minister Mohammed Hussein Roble, Uhuru said the prosperity of the two countries is key and they should allow people to people interactions.
The President said there's need for Kenya and Somalia to collaborate more in areas such as security, trade and investment by fully implementing the 2015 Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC).
Uhuru reiterated the importance of stability in national and regional development stating that economic growth is only possible in a peaceful environment.
“Without peace, there cannot be prosperity. Let us focus on providing services to our people. This can only be possible if we work together to root out terrorism."
"It’s time to improve trade and sort out immigration issues to allow increased people-to-people interactions," he said.
Uhuru welcomed restoration of the Kenya-Somalia diplomatic ties and also called for an amicable resolution of the maritime border dispute.