NAIROBI, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday committed to the East African Community (EAC) integration process saying the bloc provides a strong platform for regional socio-economic transformation.
Kenyatta who chaired the 18th extra-ordinary summit of the EAC Heads of State Summit which was held virtually expressed satisfaction at the progress made toward greater regional solidarity and shared prosperity.
"I reaffirm the commitment of the Summit to the EAC integration process. We are certainly sure that this is an effective vehicle for the economic development and prosperity of the people of East Africa," he said in a statement issued by the presidency in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.
The presidency said the summit discussed an application by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to join the EAC.
The regional leaders directed the council of ministers to expedite a verification mission to the country and report back to the 22nd summit scheduled for next year.
Kenyatta who is the current Chairperson of the Summit urged all member states to continue prioritizing the EAC agenda.
"Indeed, it is notable that work is progressing well in the implementation of the four pillars of EAC integration, namely the customs union, the common market, the monetary union, and ultimately the political federation," he said.
Kenyatta said the interest by DRC to join the EAC is a testament to not only the success of the regional economic bloc but also the opportunities that remain untapped.
Kenyatta slo urged the EAC council of ministers to expedite the process of admitting DRC into the community.
The virtual meeting was also attended by presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, and Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania.
Burundi president Evariste Ndayishimiye was represented by his Vice-President Prosper Bazombaza while South Sudan President Salva Kiir was represented by the country's east African affairs minister Deng Alor. Enditem
