The United States of America has pledged to work with Kenya to ensure there is peace in the Horn of Africa.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday said Kenya was key in bringing peace to the region.
"Kenya is an anchor state that must be on the frontline in advancing stability, especially in Ethiopia, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo," he said.
President William Ruto pledged to work with Somalia and other countries to defeat terrorism and bring peace to the nation.
"Stability in the Horn of Africa is dependent on peace in Somalia and I will work together with other leaders to defeat terrorism in the region," he said.
He spoke in Washington, D.C. when he met Somali President Hassan Mohamud.
“Kenya and Somalia have a lot in common. We have to ensure that our prosperity is stable,” Ruto said.
President Mahamud credited Kenya for its role in advancing peace in the region.
“Your sacrifices for Somalia are commendable, your contribution to defeat terrorism is phenomenal,” he said.
The two heads of state have previously held talks to boost bilateral ties and enhance security between the two neighbouring countries.
Both Somalia and Kenya have suffered the brunt of terrorist attacks from the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group, al Shabaab, who have continued to pose terrorism threats in the region.
Ruto said that his administration would collaborate with Mohamud's government to boost trade and ease the movement of goods and people between the two countries.
"We will fast-track the implementation of the Joint Commission for Cooperation between Kenya and Somalia. This will boost trade in Miraa and fish and ease movement between our two nations," he said.
