President William Ruto of Kenya met with Somalia’s President Hassan Mohamud on Sunday during the inauguration ceremony of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who was sworn in for a fourth term after securing 99 percent of the vote in last month’s election.

The two leaders engaged in crucial discussions on the pressing security challenges facing the East Africa region. A communication from Villa Somalia outlined that their talks focused on counter-terrorism efforts and enhancing cooperation between their nations.

“In Kigali, His Excellency President Hassan Mohamud held a meeting with H.E. President William Ruto. Their discussions centered on the pressing challenges facing the region, including efforts to counter terrorism and explore further avenues of cooperation,” the statement read.

Both presidents reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and stability, highlighting the enduring partnership between Somalia and Kenya. They stated, “They expressed a mutual commitment to advancing regional peace, stability, and development, guided by shared values.”

The meeting comes amid ongoing security concerns in the region, necessitating collaborative efforts to combat threats. President Kagame’s inauguration ceremony brought together several African heads of state and thousands of attendees at the 45,000-capacity Amahoro National Stadium.

As East African leaders unite to address security issues, this meeting between Ruto and Mohamud marks a significant step towards strengthening regional ties and cooperation.