Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro on Saturday hosted Kenyan Member of Parliament Mpuru Aburi and a high-level investment delegation at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa, with both sides expressing commitment to strengthening trade, investment and broader bilateral cooperation.

The delegation, led by the Tigania East MP from Meru County, held talks with President Irro on expanding economic partnerships, increasing investment and enhancing political engagement between Somaliland and Kenya.

President Irro was joined by senior leaders of the ruling Waddani Party, including Chairman Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan and Deputy Chairman Mohamed Haji Yusuf (Waabeeyo).

During the meeting, the President reaffirmed Somaliland’s commitment to creating a favourable environment for foreign direct investment, saying the country remains open to investors across key sectors of the economy.

He highlighted Somaliland’s strategic location, stable investment climate and untapped economic potential, inviting Kenyan businesses to explore opportunities in infrastructure, livestock, fisheries, agriculture, energy and other productive sectors.

Legislator Mpuru Aburi welcomed the growing engagement between the two sides and pledged to support stronger economic and diplomatic relations between Kenya and Somaliland.

He thanked President Irro for the warm reception and expressed his commitment to advancing shared economic interests through closer cooperation.

The visit also featured discussions on expanding agricultural trade, including the long-standing miraa (khat) business between Kenya and Somaliland. The crop, largely produced in Kenya’s Meru region, remains one of the country’s key agricultural exports to Somaliland and supports thousands of farmers, traders and transport operators in both territories.

They explored ways of ensuring predictable trade, improving market access and strengthening commercial links to support the continued flow of miraa and other agricultural products, although no specific agreements were announced following the meeting.

The discussions form part of broader efforts to deepen practical cooperation between Somaliland and Kenya in trade, investment and regional economic development.

Official statements from the Presidency of the Republic of Somaliland described the meeting as constructive and focused on building mutually beneficial partnerships.

The officials expressed optimism that continued engagement would pave the way for expanded economic cooperation and stronger people-to-people ties.