NAIROBI, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Somali Prime Minister Ali Hassan Khaire on Tuesday lauded strong partnership between his country and Kenya on security and development.
Khaire who met Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta in Nairobi also thanked Kenya for being Somalia's leading strategic partner in the ongoing transformation of the Horn of Africa country.
Khaire who delivered a goodwill and condolence message to Kenyatta from his Somali counterpart, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, following the recent terrorist attack at 14 Riverside Drive said his country appreciates the key role played by Kenya in the stabilization and reconstruction of his nation.
Khaire assured President Kenyatta that Somalia stands in solidarity with Kenya in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
He said the Jan. 15 terror attack at the 14 Riverside Drive which left 21 people dead and several others injured has only strengthened the resolve for the two countries to defeat terrorism and violent extremism.
Khaire said Somalia is on the positive trajectory as it strives to build on the gains made in securing the nation by the African Union Mission in Somalia, with a new constitution, getting new currency as well as building strong security institutions, which are key to both economic and social stability of the country.
The PM said Somalia currently hosts about 50,000 Kenyans working in various sectors of the economy, adding that the country has improved its purchasing power and the investment environment through various development programs.
He said the reconstruction of Somalia has seen its education, health and other community development programs taking off.
"The reconstruction of the country and the ongoing programs in economic development will help us reduce poverty and greatly contribute to our efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism," Khaire said.
