Kampala: The 3rd conference on peace and development for the Horn of Africa has commenced at the Four Points hotel in Kampala. The event, an initiative of the People's Republic of China, gathers regional countries including Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda, along with delegations from the United Nations, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the East African Community (EAC).
According to African Press Organization, the conference was officially opened by Hon. John Mulimba, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Regional Affairs), who expressed gratitude to the Government of the People's Republic of China for its strong cooperation with Africa. He highlighted China's contribution to promoting peace and sustainable development through the Global Security Initiative, which has significantly influenced international discourse on collective security. Mulimba praised China's approach to regional peace and development, emphasizing dialogue, respect for national sovereignty, and comprehensive conflict resolution strategies.
H.E. Mr. Xue Bing, China's Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Affairs, represented the Government of the People's Republic of China at the event. He expressed appreciation to the Ugandan government for hosting the conference and reaffirmed China's commitment to engaging with regional countries in initiatives promoting peace and development.
During the conference, delegates will review the achievements of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and discuss issues related to connectivity and infrastructure, development cooperation, industrial development, climate resilience, food security, multilateralism, and global governance.