The East African Community (EAC), a regional intergovernmental organisation and one of the fastest growing regional economic blocs in the world, has welcomed the Federal Republic of Somalia as its 8th partner state
At a ceremony held at the EAC headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, the instrument of ratification of the Treaty of Accession was officially presented by Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi, Somalia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, to EAC secretary general, Peter Mathuki, to complete the admission process.
Having confirmed Somalia as a new member state, Mathuki said that the country now has the green light to contribute to the development of a roadmap for its integration into EAC including the implementation of various commitments such as Customs Union, Common Market, Monetary Union and Political Federation.
Continuing, he noted that by joining EAC, Somalia will benefit from the community’s regional infrastructure projects which aim to improve connectivity, enhance transportation links and boost regional trade.
“Somalia boasts the longest national coastline of over 3,000 km in Africa, linking Africa to the Arab Peninsula, which the region can tap into to exploit Somalia’s blue economic resources and increase intra-regional trade and improve the lives of East Africans,” Mathuki added.
Encouraging East African growth
On the other side, Abdi commented, “We recognise the importance of adding value to the community, enhancing collaboration with our neighbours and promoting regional economic and social development through increased trade, bilateral agreements and joint programmes and projects.”
He stated that the country will be commit to play an active role in the growth and prosperity of East Africa and will leverage its strategic location and abundant national resources in order to do so.
“Somalia is ready to play its role as a contributing member of the community, working hand-in-hand with each of you so that we have a brighter and more prosperous future for all EAC member states and their citizens,” Abdi exclaimed to the event attendees.
