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development in the Horn of Africa region pledged by the United Nations, the World Bank, the Africa Development Bank and other development partners.
He said the financial resources will boost initiatives the region has already embarked on to ensure peace.
“Kenya
and the Horn of Africa are glad to see this coordinated action by the
United Nations, the World Bank, the African Union, the African
Development Bank, IGAD and the other institutions represented here,”
President Kenyatta said.
The President made the remarks
at State House, Nairobi, after a high-level meeting with UN
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, World Bank President Jim Yong Kim and AU
Commission deputy chairperson Erastus Mwencha.
President Uhuru Kenyatta receives UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon at State House in Nairobi on October 29, 2014. PHOTO | PSCU
The
meeting was also attended by Islamic Development Bank President Ahmad
Ali Al-Madani, Igad Executive Secretary Mahboub Maalim, senior
representatives from the African Development Bank and other critical
actors in peace-building and development.
President
Kenyatta said the visit by the leaders of the UN, the World Bank and
other institutions to understand the peace and development conditions on
the ground is strong proof of their renewed cooperation with the Horn
of Africa countries.
“Here I ought to give special
mention to His Excellency the Secretary-General: he is now a regular
visitor to Kenya, reflecting his personal commitment to this region,”
the President said.
He assured the leaders that Kenya
would continue to devote its resources and expertise to building a
stable region that is integrating economically to achieve inclusive
prosperity for all people.
“We are guided by the
fundamental understanding that together we can achieve the positive
transformation of our region,” he said.
The President
pointed out that Kenya has been at the heart of regional peace
initiatives and would use the knowledge it has gained over the years to
sustain that commitment.
He said the gathering of
goodwill, ideas, expertise and resources reflects an ambition to
transform the approach to peace and development in the Horn of Africa.
“Our
work as governments to restore peace where conflict has broken out in
the region, and to further the economic integration that will lead to
inclusive prosperity, has long required and attracted like-minded
partners,” President Kenyatta said.
President Uhuru Kenyatta leads Kenyan officials
in talks with World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, UN Secretary-General
Ban Ki-Moon and other top leaders at State House in Nairobi on October
29, 2014. PHOTO | PSCU
Speaking
during the occasion, the UN secretary-general thanked the World Bank,
the African Development Bank, the African Union, the Islamic Development
Bank and the European Union for their strong commitment and cooperation
in helping the Horn of Africa countries enjoy peace, stability and
economic development.
“We came here with a common
message: that there cannot be any lasting peace and security without
development. And there can be no development without peace and
security,” Mr Ban said.
He commended Kenya for the invaluable support it gives in offering refuge to people from troubled countries in the region.
On
the fight against Ebola, Mr said the UN and the World Bank had agreed
to support the African Union’s efforts in placing medical personnel at
the disposal of Ebola-affected nations.
FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION
Mr
Ban applauded Kenya’s efforts to end female genital mutilation, saying
he was glad for the support to curbing the retrogressive cultural
practice given by significant sections of the Kenyan media.
On
his part, the World Bank president hailed President Kenyatta for
leading regional peace and security efforts to create opportunities for
the communities in the Horn of Africa.
“I am extremely
encouraged by President Kenyatta’s leadership in Kenya. And the World
Bank has engaged constructively in Kenya’s development challenges and
opportunities,” Mr Kim said.
He said Kenya is also
providing leadership across the region in terms of economic growth. He
said the World Bank is committed to helping Kenya find new opportunities
for growth, poverty reduction and equity.
President
Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta later hosted a State banquet
at State House, Nairobi, in honour of the visiting dignitaries.
