Kampala: The 3rd conference on peace and development for the Horn of Africa commenced at the Four Points hotel in Kampala. This significant event is spearheaded by the People's Republic of China and gathers representatives from regional countries including Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda. Delegations from the United Nations, International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the East African Community (EAC) are also participating.
According to African Press Organization, the Conference was officially inaugurated by Hon. John Mulimba, Uganda's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Regional Affairs). He expressed gratitude to the Government of the People's Republic of China for its robust cooperation with Africa in promoting peace and sustainable development through the Global Security Initiative. This initiative has significantly contributed to international discourse on collective security. Mulimba praised China's approach to regional peace and development, emphasizing dialogue, respect for national sovereignty, and comprehensive approaches to conflict.
H.E. Mr. Xue Bing, China's Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Affairs, represented the Chinese government and extended thanks to the Ugandan government for hosting the Conference. He reaffirmed China's commitment to engaging with regional countries in initiatives that foster peace and development.
During the Conference, delegates are set to review the achievements of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and discuss pertinent issues such as connectivity and infrastructure, development cooperation and industrial development, climate resilience and food security, as well as multilateralism and global governance.