Saudi Arabia has vowed to boost its trade and investment ties with East African countries. The officials from Saudi Arabia and East African countries discussed issues on how to boost the two side investment and trade relationship.
Djiboutian President Esmael Oumar Gulleh, Rwandan Prime Minster Bernard Makuza, Somali president Sheik Sharif and Kenya Deputy President Uhuru Kenyatta attended the forum where they expressed their readiness to open their door to Saudi investment.
“Saudi Arabia is committed to combating hunger, to provide support for the host country but also generate exports. We are not here to impose our needs above the needs of local populations,” Saudi Commerce and Industry minister Abdullah Bin Ahmed Zainal Ali Reza said.
He said that Saudi Arabia is ready to engage in various development activities in Africa as a whole, mainly in East African region because of its geographical ties with Saudi Arabia.
Ethiopian PM Meles Zenawi who appreciated the initiatives called on Saudi investors to invest in Ethiopia and in the region as a whole.
Officials from the East African countries on their part assured the Saudi officials of their respected countries’ readiness to boost their ties with the Arab nation.
Source African Press Agency
