Nairobi says the move is in the best interests of the two East African countries.
Kenya on Thursday announced the reopening of its round-trip to Somalia, a move welcomed by Mogadishu.
Kenya’s Foreign Ministry said it had “considered the prayers and considered the reopening of Kenyan airports on all flights from Somalia and from Kenya to Somalia”.
Nairobi stopped all traffic to and from Somalia in May, a few days later the relationship appears to have been strained since the end of last year.
The partnership is in the best interests of the two East African countries, the ministry said, adding that it hopes to bring about better relations, “including international, trade and humanitarian relations that have become non-violent.”
The ministry recommended that all coronavirus protocols be applicable to those coming to Kenya from Somalia.
The Somali government has hailed Nairobi’s idea as part of a process that would undermine bilateral relations, which declined last December.
“Somali government welcomes Kenya to reopen its territory with Somalia on Thursday. The move could pave the way for stability. [of] relations between the two neighboring countries, “spokesman Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimu said on Twitter.
Somalia lost contact with Kenya in December last year, criticizing Nairobi for interfering in Mogadishu’s internal affairs.
Security, education and trade agreements between the two neighbors were cut off for five months, until Mogadishu announced in May that it was ready to resume relations with Nairobi, citing the interest of both countries.
However, a few days later, Kenya decided to stop flying with Somalia, without giving any reason.
