BUJUMBURA July 2nd (ABP) – The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, Ambassador Albert Shingiro proceeded, on Monday, June 27, 2022, to the opening of the diplomatic week, within the premises of the said ministry.
In his speech for the occasion, Minister Shingiro indicated that good governance, the development of the agriculture and livestock sector, public health, care for pensioners and the repatriation of refugees are the absolute priorities of the government in office since 2020.
He added that the implementation of those projects goes in support of the National Development Plan (PND) 2018-2027, and the national strategy to fight against corruption. Furthermore, Ambassador Shingiro cited the attraction of foreign investment and the strengthening of the private sector, the promotion of tourism, as well as the development of infrastructure at national and regional levels; being constituents of Burundian economic diplomacy.
At the international level, Minister Shingiro expressed Burundi’s interest in active participation in sub-regional and regional organizations, which constitute a guarantee of peace and collective security.
Considering that the major challenge “for our nations” is that of security, he indicated that the fight against terrorism has become the main concern in the world. In that perspective, Mr. Shingiro specified that Burundi will continue to provide support in the fight against terrorism and other various forms of threats to global security, through international peacekeeping missions.
In the case of DR Congo, which is undergoing terrorist attacks in its eastern region, the Burundian minister in charge of foreign affairs insisted that dialogue and consultation are the best ways to find a solution.
In the event that the forces fighting against this country “do not agree to participate unconditionally, in political consultations, to lay down their arms”, according to him, the Burundian government fully supports the recommendations resulting from the second regional conclave of Heads of State on the DRC, which provided for the constitution of a common regional force to fight against the terrorist groups located in the East of that country. Burundi will take part, he concluded.