It was a pleasure to host and witness the signing of the treaty of accession by the Federal Republic of Somalia to the East African Community (EAC). I reiterated my remarks in Arusha, explaining the logic behind integrating the EAC. It is for the prosperity of the African people, strategic security, and the commonalities of the East African people.

Therefore, I welcome Somalia and congratulate them. I thank the Chair, His Excellency Salva Kiir, President of South Sudan, and the EAC Secretariat for choosing Uganda to host this historic occasion.