ANKARA (SD) – Turkish government has welcomed the restoration of the diplomatic ties between Somalia and Kenya after efforts by the government of Qatar.

In a statement, Turkish foreign ministry has commended efforts by Qatari conflict resolution envoy saying Qatari government for would create conducive environment for the peoples from both countries.

“We welcome the developments regarding the resuming of diplomatic relations between Somalia and Kenya. We appreciate the efforts of the State of Qatar in this process,” said the Turkish Foreign Ministry in a statement.

Last Thursday, Somalia announced it was restoring diplomatic relations with neighbouring Kenya.

“Now diplomatic relations are restored,” deputy information minister Abdirahman Yusuf told a news conference in Mogadishu, saying the Gulf Arab state of Qatar had helped in the process.

Kenya’s foreign ministry said that it took note of the Somali government’s announcement.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs “looks forward to further normalization of relations by the Somali authorities including with regard to trade, communication, transportation, people-to-people relations and cultural exchanges,” it said in a statement. It also acknowledged the support of Qatar in particular in its efforts to normalize relations.

Both Somalia and Kenya are contesting ownership of a triangular territory measuring 100,000km2 in the Indian Ocean boundary.