Kibaki holds talks with Somali President

President Mwai Kibaki with President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia at Harambee House. Present are PM Raila Odinga and Minister for Internal Security Prof.

President Mwai Kibaki Friday at his Harambee House met and held discussions with the President of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.

During the discussions President Sharif Ahmed briefed President Kibaki on the progress of political and security developments in Somalia.

Thanking President Kibaki for the continued support in the normalization process of the war ravaged country, President Sharif affirmed that the Transitional Government has so far taken control of over 70 per cent of Mogadishu.

He noted and appreciated that Kenya continued to host a very large number of Somali refugees who escaped hostilities in their country. Kenya currently hosts over 40,000 refugees from Somalia

The TFG President assured that local troops and those serving under AMISOM was making good progress in dealing with the insurgents.

He pointed out that there was need for enhanced bilateral ties between the two countries and continued support under the UN and AMISOM framework.

Noting that the Charter establishing the TFG was coming to an end in August this year, President Sharif supported extension of the Transitional Government by one year so as to address outstanding issues.

On his part President Kibaki commended the TFG for their achievements and assured that Kenya would continue to support Somalia so as to achieve long lasting peace and stability even in the region.

President Kibaki urged Transitional Government to hold an all inclusive process during the constitution making process so as to foster unity among stakeholders.

The Head of State advised that even Somalia citizens in the Diaspora should be invited to participate in the constitution making process and in the entire process of restoring peace and stability in the country.

In attendance were Defence Minister Yusuf Haji, Acting Foreign Affairs and Internal Security Minister Prof George Saitoti, Assistant Minister Foreign Affairs Richard Onyonka, Acting PS Foreign Affairs, Patrick Wamoto and other senior government officials.

On his part President Sharif was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Omaar, Information Minister Abdikarim Hassa Jama and other senior officials of the TFG. KBC