Guinea Bissau endorses Raila Odinga’s AUC candidature
Guinea Bissau has endorsed Kenya’s Raila Odinga for the position of African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson in next month’s elections to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
This was revealed by President William Ruto, during the State visit to Kenya of Guinea Bissau President General Umaro Sissoco Embalo.
“Kenya’s candidature is informed by our longstanding commitment to championing the Pan-African agenda and delivering on the continent’s aspirations. I am confident that our candidate will provide visionary and results-driven leadership, prioritizing the needs and aspirations of member states,” said Ruto in a statement.
He added that President Embalo’s visit to Kenya was a significant testimony of the long-standing diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries.
“We have just concluded highly productive bilateral discussions with my dear brother (Embalo), during which we reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening and advancing the excellent relations that exist between our countries. Our engagements have been marked by a spirit of mutual respect and a shared vision for prosperity and development,” said President Ruto.
He added that during their deliberations, the two Heads of State reiterated the importance of continuous and open dialogue in addressing matters of mutual interest, with the aim of fostering greater understanding and developing solutions that align with our respective aspirations.
“This approach will further solidify our bilateral ties and enhance collaboration across various sectors,” Ruto said.
The president said the visit by his Guinea Bissau counterpart provided a valuable opportunity for the two nations to explore avenues for enhancing trade and investment.
Said Ruto, “We acknowledge the immense potential that exists in leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement to expand economic opportunities. Together, we are committed to harnessing this potential to drive economic growth and sustainable development for the benefit of our people.”
The two also discussed critical issues of common interest at the continental level including institutional reforms, peace and security.
“On matters of peace and security, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to working together to promote peace and stability, not only in Africa, but also in other regions experiencing conflict and insecurity,” Ruto said.
The visiting head of state in his remarks said;” I have come to Nairobi to reaffirm my support to Kenya and to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.”
“President Ruto and I have decided to bring the two countries together and create an environment and conditions to enable commercial exchanges of academics and cultural exchanges and also mutually beneficial,” he added.
