NAIROBI (SD) -The Kenyan government issued a statement declaring that it “fully recognizes the sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, acknowledging the Federal Government of Somalia in Mogadishu as the only legitimate authority managing the country’s affairs, including the regional state administrations.”

Kenya expressed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Somalia, based on mutual respect, cooperation, peace, and sustainable development. It also stated its readiness to support Somalia’s state-building efforts through continuous dialogue, regional collaboration, and joint projects.

Kenya further stated that it had informed the Somali Federal Government (SFG) that it would continue engaging with the regional administrations of Jubaland and Somaliland, in consultation with the SFG, to establish formal relations and diplomatic presence—with the aim of supporting security and trade interests, in line with the principles of good neighborliness and mutual respect.

“While safeguarding Somalia’s unity, we will maintain relations with Somaliland and Jubaland, with whom we share security and trade interests,” said Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This statement comes as Somaliland’s leader, Abdirahman Ciro, traveled to Kenya today to hold talks with Kenyan officials. The Kenyan government’s remarks appear to be an attempt to reassure the Somali Federal Government (SFG) and avoid objections to Ciro’s visit to Nairobi.