Uhuru, Ethiopian premier hold talks on regional affairs
President Uhuru Kenyatta (right) with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn during a joint press conference at the State House, Nairobi on April 24, 2013. They two held talks on bilateral and regional issues including security and trade. PHOTO / BILLY MUTAI
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday met visiting Ethiopian Prime Minister Haile Dessalegn as he began bilateral engagements with African leaders.
Mr Kenyatta and Mr Dessalegn discussed the actualization of the mega Sh1.5 trillion Lamu Port-Southern, Sudan-Ethiopia Transport project or (LAPSET) which is expected to open up trade relations in the region.
“Within the framework of cooperation for mutual benefit, we have also conferred on the modalities of actualizing the LAPSSET project as part of our common destiny, as neighbours and a region,” President Kenyatta said.
The President who was addressing journalists at State House Nairobi also said that their discussion with the Ethiopian PM also dwelt on the peace process in Somali which he described as of great importance to the regional harmony.
Said President Kenyatta: “On IGAD and regional peace and development, we focused on our efforts to contribute to sustainable peace reconstruction and development in Somalia”
The two leaders also promised to support the reconstruction of Somalia which is still recovering from decades of turmoil.
The Ethiopian leader who is also the current chairman of the African Union said that his country is keen on a wider mutual regional integration.
“We are going to work together with the President of Kenya to keep the friendship of our two countries for purposes of development of the two countries and the region,” he said.
He also said that their engagements with President Kenyatta touched on peace and security between the two countries and the region.
Kenya’s borders with Ethiopia have occasionally been violated by civilian raiders who have occasionally wreaked havoc in Northern Kenya.
Mr Dessalegn is the first head of State to officially visit Kenya after the inauguration of President Kenyatta two weeks ago.
Deputy President William Ruto, Attorney General Prof Githu Muigai,Head of Public Service Francis Kimemia, Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Thuita Mwangi and Nyeri senator Mutahi Kagwe were also present.
On Thursday, the President is expected to fly out for his first official engagement outside Kenya where he will join other East African Community heads of State at the regional summit in Arusha Tanzania.
