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{
    "id": 473808,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/473808/?format=api",
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    "content": "Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, the President of Kenya, His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda and His Excellency President Paul Kagame of Rwanda in the framework of the Tri-Partite Projects in the East African Community at large. Today, we have before our eyes, an opportunity to make regional integration a success in a way never imagined before. Since June 2013, particularly our two countries, Kenya and Rwanda, together with Uganda, have been pursuing several joint integration initiatives, especially cross-border infrastructure projects, as well as other schemes designed to ease movement of people, goods and services across the region. These cooperation initiatives between our countries have brought real advantages and great hope to our people. Hon. Speaker of the Senate, hon. Deputy Speaker and Members of the Senate, these achievements cannot be sustained unless there is peace and security. It is for this reason that Kenya and Rwanda are parties to the defense, peace and security pacts signed this year. This framework of solidarity will primarily put in place mechanisms to safeguard regional infrastructure that our countries plan to put in place and will increase partnership in the fight against terrorism. The pacts are meant to strengthen regional security and partnership in the fight against terrorism, cross-border crime and other regional security threats. This security framework will address the threats of several negative armed groups such as the Genocidal FDLR in the case of Rwanda and AlShabaab in the case of Kenya and the region . It is against that background that my presence here serves to express our solidarity with the people of Kenya. Our hearts were with you when Al Shabaab terrorists attacked and bombed Westgate Mall and caused immeasurable pain and desolation. We will continue to be with you, as you have been with us, at the time when we needed friends most after the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Rt. Hon. Speaker of the Senate, hon. Deputy Speaker and hon. Senators, it is important to recall the role of national parliaments as an embodiment of representative democracy at the national level. National Parliaments, within partner states, are an important cornerstone of our regional integration. National parliaments have a very important role to play in order to sensitize our electorate and mobilize all stakeholders, private and public, so that they acquire a greater sense of urgency regarding these regional projects. It is our responsibility to call on our governments, our fellow citizens and all stakeholders, to maintain the momentum, especially on the infrastructure for transport and electricity, in order to complete the agreed projects for the benefit of our people and our region. The role of the national parliaments on the national and community level is crucial for fostering the trust of citizens in the integration initiatives and their objectives. If parliamentarians play their role, there is no doubt that integration will be realized in our lifetime. Rt. Hon. Speaker and hon. Members of the Senate, if we, the Senate of Rwanda, in partnership with the Senate of Kenya and the national assemblies of other partner The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}