NAIROBI (SD) – Somalia and Kenya have agreed to enhance their bilateral relations barely a month after the two countries restored their diplomatic ties.

The horn of Africa nation expelled Kenya’s ambassador to Somalia General Lucas Tumbo in November 2020 and the subsequently ordered the closure of the embassy and exit off staff by mid-December.

The horn of Africa nation blamed Kenya for what it called “constant interference” in Somalia’s internal affairs.

In May, Qatari special envoy Mutlaq bin Majed al-Qahtani helped broker talks where Somalia initially agreed to resume ties. But after Somali authorities detained Bluebird Aviation aircraft, Kenya closed the airspace between the two countries.

In a surprise U-turn, Somalia last month, announced restoration of its diplomatic ties with the East Africa nation.

In a statement, Kenya ministry foreign affairs said its permanent secretary, Macharia Kamau held bilateral talks with Amb Mohamed Ahmed Nur Tarzan, Somalia Ambassador to Kenya

“(They)explored new areas of cooperation in the field of culture, trade, ICT, peace and Security. The two looked forward to deepening relations,” the ministry said in the statement.

Somalia re-opened its embassy in Nairobi this month after more than seven months long diplomatic stiff with its neighbouring which was accused of interference of the horn of Africa nation’s internal affairs.