President Uhuru Kenyatta has landed a new role.
The Kenya’s head of state has taken over leadership of African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) for the next next 3 years.
Uhuru said Kenya as a country will spearhead reforms and reinvigoration of the 79 countries’ group for the entire period he will be in charge.
2/3 President Kenyatta said Kenya, which has taken over the chairmanship of the group of 79 countries, will spearhead reforms and reinvigoration of the ACP for the next three years #ACPSummit2019 | @WilliamsRuto pic.twitter.com/NHvJK6JhK8
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) December 9, 2019
He said that under his stewardship, Kenya will seek to promote and protect the interests of the group at the regional, continental and international levels.
The head of state spoke during the 9th African Caribbean and Pacific Summit of Heads of State and Government at the Kenyatta international Convention Centre also attended by Deputy President William Ruto.
He acknowledged that climate change presents an existential threat to the world especially island nations that form a majority of the ACP grouping
President Kenyatta called for the ACP to become a vehicle for deeper south-south partnership given that it represents the nations in the southern hemisphere. He said the ACP stands out as the largest transnational organisation in the world and it should therefore play a stronger role in global affairs.
Speaking on the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between ACP and the Europeam Union, the President noted that Kenya’s wish is for further agreements with the EU that will enhance integration of ACP countries into the global economy.
“We look forward to a more balanced trading arrangement with the European Union in the New Partnership Agreement, which gives priority to emerging opportunities especially in e-commerce and trade in services,” said the President.
Other leaders who spoke at the summit included the Prime Minister of Barbados Ms Mia Mottley and the President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo among others.
Presidents Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Hage Geingob (Namibia) and Prime Minister Andrew Holness (Jamaica) also attended the Heads of State summit.