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President Uhuru Kenyatta today met the leaders of Zambia and Sweden with whom he discussed efforts of combating terrorism and enhancing trade to grow African economies. He also held talks with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
On the sidelines of the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, President Kenyatta discussed regional integration and deepening intra-African trade with new Zambian President Edgar Lungu. The President also congratulated President Lungu on his recent presidential by-election victory that followed the death of President Michael Sata.
“Kenya and Zambia are friends of long-standing. We must work to grow trade between our countries. We are also strong supporters of growing intra-African trade and should take measures to ensure we achieve this goal,” President Kenyatta said.
President Lungu praised President Kenyatta for his leadership, especially in lifting the profile of the East African Community through a practical agenda of investment in infrastructure.
With Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, President Kenyatta promoted Kenya’s investment portfolio, drumming up support for the oil and gas sectors as well as Information, Communication and Technology.
“We will continue to grow the ICT sector, with the private sector in the lead. This is an area we see driving the economy,” President Kenyatta said.
He also briefed the prime minister on Kenya’s efforts in combating the threat of terrorism.
“We live in a tough neighborhood. But we are investing in the security sector and will continue to do so. But terrorism is a global challenge and requires a global response,” he said.
With the UN chief , President Kenyatta discussed the efforts of regional grouping IGAD to bring a sustainable settlement to Kenya’s northern neighbour, Southern Sudan. Mr Ban was concerned at the lack of progress in reaching a political settlement.
“We want Kenya to continue to press for a solution. Finding a solution to the South Sudan problem is important in terms of regional security,” Mr Ban said.
President Kenyatta also met Mr Carlos Lopes, executive secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa. They discussed enhanced collaboration with the UN agency.
