Kenyatta, Zuma to Partner in Security, Trade and Investment

The two agreed that there was much more to be gained through partnership, including creation of employment for the youth, integration of the East African community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the war on terrorism.

The two leaders met at the official residence of the President of South Africa, Mahlamba Ndlopfu, in Pretoria when President Kenyatta paid the South African leader a courtesy call on arrival in SA last evening.

“We stand to gain more if we work together”, said President Kenyatta during the courtesy call that is also the first official meeting between the two leaders since President Kenyatta assumed office more than two years ago.

The two presidents agreed to jointly tackle the menace of terrorism and radicalisation through sharing of information.

“We must reinforce the message that as Africa we shall act together at all attempts to hit at us,” said President Zuma on terrorism attacks by Al-Shabaab militia in Kenya.

President Zuma also added that there is need for improved co-operation in security matters and terror in a bid to firmly deal with terrorism as a continent.

The two leaders further admitted youth unemployment in the two countries is a major challenge that needs to be addressed urgently especially through creation of jobs and industrialization.

On the Burundi crisis, both Presidents reiterated the position of the East African Community (EAC) taken four days ago in Dar-es-Salaam to postpone elections within the mandate of the current government. 

PRESIDENT KENYATTA HAS SPOKEN TO NKURUNZIZA TWICE IN 24H

President Kenyatta said he had talked to Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza twice in the last 24 hours, while President Zuma is scheduled to proceed to Angola for the International Conference on the Great Lakes region (ICGLR) summit convened by Angola over the Burundi crisis.

President Kenyatta and Zuma said the peace processes on Burundi are aimed at containing the crisis.

President Kenyatta is today scheduled to open the 6th Ordinary Session of the Third Parliament of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) at Midrand.

By Wangui Ngechu