On 21 August 2024, Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, welcomed H.E. Mr. Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the Republic of Kenya, and a delegation from the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Republic of Kenya. The delegation comprised of health delegates from Somalia and Kenya, who were visiting Thailand as part of a project to promote medical tourism in East Africa led by Ms. Morakot Janemathukorn, Ambassador of Thailand to Kenya.

On this occasion, the Deputy Permanent Secretary discussed bilateral issues and possible cooperation between Thailand and Somalia and Kenya in various fields, including economic cooperation, development cooperation, public health, alternative medicine, medical herbs and plants, and the Halal food industry. They also exchanged views on the Royal Thai Government’s policies that seek to promote Thailand as a medical hub and medical tourism, both regionally and globally. Topics also discussed including trade and investment potential of the East African Community (EAC), which has a population of over 400 million people.

In addition, the delegation added that the majority of the population in the East African region is in need of more access to comprehensive medical services, due to the shortage of both personnel and medical equipments, especially for specialized treatment as well as quality and comprehensive health check-ups. In their opinion, Thailand is an attractive option for patients in the East African Community (EAC), who are economically capable to travel for medical treatment, as it meets their various needs through a wide range of medical treatments and reasonable pricing.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.

His Excellency Mr. Omar Alieu Turay, President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on the Ministry of Foreign Affair. According to the Foreign Ministry’s release, Mr. Turay extolled Liberia for its peaceful transition of power, which, according to him, serves as a shining example that democracy is thriving in the region. He assured Liberia of ECOWAS’ continued support in nation-building, enhancing peace, security, and governance. He emphasized the need for reconciliation and inclusion, which are vital to nation-building and effective governance.

Receiving the ECOWAS Commission President, Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, Dr. Ibrahim Nyei, expressed gratitude for the visit and thanked the ECOWAS President for his leadership and reforms at the regional level. Dr. Nyei also used the occasion to acknowledge ECOWAS’ technical and financial support, which was instrumental in the democratic milestone achieved by Liberia during the 2023 elections. He recalled ECOWAS’ support during the 1990s and 2003 civil wars and assured the ECOWAS President of His Excellency President Joseph Boakai, Sr.’s commitment to further consolidating Liberia’s democracy while taking bold steps to address reconciliation.

Dr. Nyei also highlighted that one of the main challenges to transitional recovery and post-conflict reconciliation has been the lack of accountability for war crimes and economic crimes, which have haunted Liberia for some time. He noted that President Boakai has begun addressing this issue by signing the bill establishing a war crimes court. He called on ECOWAS for technical and financial support for transitional justice in Liberia. He concluded by thanking ECOWAS for endorsing Liberia’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

The first regional parliamentary sitting has today, 28 August 2024 kicked off in Gulu city, Northern Uganda.

Speaker Anita Among who is chairing the sitting, emphasised that the decision to hold parliamentary sittings in Uganda’s four traditional regions is aimed at bridging the gap between Parliament and the people. 

She explained that this initiative is rooted in a thorough cost-benefit analysis, considering the unique challenges faced by each region.

The Speaker dispelled misconceptions circulating among some MPs and the public, clarifying that these regional sittings are budget-neutral. 

She noted that the existing budget for parliamentary outreaches has been strategically upgraded to support full-fledged House sittings, which will address region-specific issues.

She further highlighted that unlike typical outreaches, the regional sittings will lead to parliamentary resolutions requiring government action. “Parliament is not confined to a stationary building. It is an arm of government that can convene anywhere in the country. A people-centered legislature must be responsive to the needs of its citizens, ensuring effective parliamentary representation,” she stated.

Among also reiterated that the 11th Parliament, from its inception in 2021, committed to placing the people at the heart of all legislative processes. “This is why we are taking Parliament to the people,” she added.

Citing Article 95 (2) of the Constitution and Rule 17 of the Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, Among confirmed that the regional sittings are legally and procedurally sound. “Earlier today, I read out a proclamation;the same legal basis used for previous sessions held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds and Kampala Serena Hotel. Gulu City, where we are holding this historic session, is part of Uganda, and no one can rightfully deny the people of Northern Uganda this opportunity,” she asserted.

The Gulu session marks the first of the planned four regional sittings for this financial year, with the next session to be announced. 

These sessions will prioritize urgent and significant matters specific to the hosting region.

In a call for unity, Among urged all stakeholders to support these initiatives, which are designed to foster cohesion and growth. “Let us embrace unity and cooperation to further inclusive decision-making and progress,” she urged the lawmakers.

During the session, the Speaker also led the MPs in observing a moment of silence for the lives lost and property destroyed at the Kiteezi garbage landfill in Wakiso district, as well as in memory of the late Prof. Edward Khiddu Makubuya, a former MP and Minister, who passed away recently.

President Yoweri Museveni will address Parliament on Thursday, 29 August 2024. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.