Mudavadi represents Kenya at Presidential dinner in Burundi Ahead of COMESA Summit

By Robert Mutasi

Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, who is also CS for Diaspora and Foreign Affairs represented President William Samoei Ruto during a presidential dinner hosted by President Evariste Ndayishimiye in Kiriri, Burundi. 

This brought together top-ranking leaders and diplomats to set the stage for the 23rd COMESA Heads of State Summit-an important forum that should spur regional integration and economic development among member countries.

Mudavadi called for unity and cooperation in addressing key challenges facing COMESA member states during the dinner.

Attending the dinner were Heads of State, representatives from different diplomatic missions, and regional leaders all committed to co-operation across their borders.

It is such meetings that form the foundation for substantive deliberations on how to grow relationships and effect positive change.

Present at this dinner was a testament to our commitment to the forward match of cooperation among our countries. Together, we can effectively meet these challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that are inherent in the COMESA framework," Mudavadi said. The Prime Cabinet Secretary pointed out that discussions that would be unfolded at the summit are very critical in scaling up such initiatives that are bound to lead to sustainable development, improved trade and shared prosperity.

As member states head to the summit, the attention is on comprehensive dialogue that catalyzes economic development across the region. Mudavadi said regional integration is not just a political agenda but one with great substance in taking people out of poverty and improving their socio-economic status.

Issues likely to receive attention at the COMESA Summit of Heads of State include trade facilitation, infrastructural development, and investment opportunities amongst the 21 member countries. 

This collaboration allows the countries to pool resources and expertise for the purposes of opening ways in which creative responses can be made to common challenges such as climate change, health crises, and food security.

The world struggles to get past the pandemic, Mudavadi reiterated Kenya's commitment to active regional cooperation.

 "This summit marks an important milestone toward achieving our collective aspirations," he concluded in an echo of a shared vision by nations to emerge stronger through collaboration and mutual support.

This momentum at such high-level meetings is what shall drive unity for development in the COMESA region.