kalonzo praises Al- Bashir

Written By:VPPS,    Posted: Wed, Jan 05, 2011

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has congratulated the people of Southern Sudan for their resolve to carry a peaceful referendum and to accept the outcome of the exercise by the people of both North and Southern Sudan

He particularly singled out President Omar Al- Bashir for praise, saying his commitment to endorse a separate state in the South if the people decide so, was crucial for the general peace in the region. 

The Vice President was speaking Wednesday at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, upon his arrival from Egypt after concluding his five day official visit to the country.

Mr. Musyoka who was accompanied by Assistant Minister for Water and Irrigation, Ferdinand Waititu and legislators Peter Mwathi, Isaac Ruto and Mithika Linturi thanked the Egyptian government for planning to import Kenyan meat as well as increasing the importation of tea leaves.

"I assure Egypt that the government will ensure that all abattoirs across the country meet international standards," he said.

The Vice President announced that during the tour Kenya and Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding towards collaboration in the fields of agricultural research and education involving the university of Al-Ahzar and Moi University where the two universities will engage in irrigation particularly in cotton growing areas.

He also welcomed the pledge for scholarships from Al -Ahzar University in the Sudan which is willing to offer scholarships to Kenyan students in the fields of medicine, engineering and Islamic studies.

Mr. Musyoka stressed the importance of local universities investing in commercial undertakings that would enable such institutions be self sufficient particularly in finances.

The Vice President underscored the crucial role played by Egypt in the Middle East peace process saying the country was strategically placed to broker harmony among the involved parties.

Mr. Musyoka urged Kenyans to foster peace and unity during this New Year 2011 adding that the new year should be a year of national healing and reconciliation as well as resettling of internally displaced persons.

Among those at the airport to receive the Vice President were MP Mohammed Affey and Permanent Secretary  in the Office of the Vice President Dr. Ludeki Chweya.