President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe of Togo has reaffirmed his support for Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amb Amina Mohamed’s candidature for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
President Gnassingbe who has been in the country for an official visit expressed confidence that Kenya’s candidate will clinch the top position of AUC during the elections slated for January 2017.
The Togolese President first declared his support to Amb. Mohamed’s candidature in October when President Uhuru Kenyatta visited Lome to attend the African Union Maritime Security Summit.
“I can promise that we will do whatever we can to support Kenya’s candidate for AUC chairperson position. I know your vision and I am sure that if the Kenyan candidate is at the head of the commission, it will be good for Africa,” the Togolese President said.
President Gnassingbe accompanied by his host President Kenyatta was addressing the press at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after he inspected a colourful guard of honour before his departure at the end of his visit that saw him attend this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations.
The Togolese President commended President Kenyatta’s leadership in the war against terrorism.
“I want to commend you Mr. President because under your leadership, Kenya has been able to defeat terrorist groups. We are still struggling with the vice in our region but we believe we will eventually solve that problem,” President Gnassingbe said.
He also praised Kenya’s role in regional peace and urged President Kenyatta to continue promoting peace and stability in the region and in the continent.
President Gnassingbe also praised the growth and dynamism of the Kenyan economy and expressed Togo’s readiness to work with Kenya for the benefit of the people of the two countries.
“I have been impressed by the strength of the Kenyan economy. Togo is ready to cooperate with you and learn from your experiences because we have not reached your level of diversification,” the Togolese President said.
He paid tribute to the continent’s freedom heroes and emphasised the need for African countries to work together for progress.
“Learning best practices from each other is the only way for Africa to succeed,” President Gnassingbe said.
President Kenyatta commended President Gnassingbe for honouring the invitation to attend the Jamhuri Day celebrations as a special guest, saying the visit sets in motion the strengthening of the renewed bonds of friendship and cooperation between Kenya and Togo.
By PSCU.