East African Community Secretariat, Arusha, Tanzania, 23 October 2012: H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza of the Republic of Burundi today held cordial talks with the Secretary General of the East African Community Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera who had paid a courtesy call on him, at his office in Bujumbura, Burundi.

H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza, President of the Republic of Burundi

During the talks the President noted that Burundi had made significant progress in the integration process since joining the East African Community in 2007.

The Secretary General updated His Excellency the President on the state of preparations for the upcoming EAC Heads of State Summit and retreat on Infrastructure in the region.  The Secretary General also briefed the President on the Secretary General CEO Forum that was held in Burundi on Monday 22 October 2012.

President Nkurunziza expressed support for the full involvement of the private sector, women and youth entrepreneurs, as well as ordinary citizens of East Africa in the integration agenda.

His Excellency reiterated his continued collaboration and support towards strengthening the operations of the EAC Customs Union, Common Market including reduction and/or removal of the Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), as well as negotiations towards a Monetary Union Protocol.