On Saturday, November 23, 2024, the President of the Senate, Right Honorable Emmanuel Sinzohagera, returned from a working mission to Nairobi, Republic of Kenya, and Yunnan Province, Kunming, People’s Republic of China.
Upon his arrival at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport, the Right Honorable Sinzohagera shared the highlights of his trip. In Nairobi, he participated in the 18th meeting of the Bureau of Speakers of Parliaments of member countries of the East African Community (ECA), which was held on November 13, 2024. During this meeting, three major points appeared on the agenda. agenda: election of the new office of Presidents of Parliaments as well as the handover and resumption between the incoming office and the outgoing office; exchanges on crucial issues such as climate change and official languages to be used within the Community to facilitate communication and finally the preparations for the interparliamentary games.
The President of the Senate took this opportunity to plead in favor of the reimbursement of Burundi’s contribution fees in national currency. He also appealed to the Minister in charge of the East African Community to prepare the necessary amendments to the Treaty governing the Community and transmit them to the competent authorities.
He informed the Burundians that the next edition of the interparliamentary games will be held in Burundi, encouraging them to prepare on all levels. In addition, the country will host the meeting of the Presidents of the Parliaments of the Community next year, he said.
In Yunnan, the President of the Senate indicated that he participated in the work of the international conference of cities friendly to China which was held in Kunming from November 17 to 20, 2024 on the theme: Common Prosperity, Shared Future. During this conference, he presented the vision of Burundi as an emerging country in 2040 and a developed country in 2060, while inviting foreign investors to come and invest in Burundi.
The Right Honorable Sinzohagera also met with the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party for Yunnan Province. Their discussions focused on strengthening ties of friendship and cooperation between the two regions, both based on an agricultural economy and strategically positioned.
The two personalities stressed the importance of establishing exchange platforms on the administrative, educational, social and artistic levels, as well as exploring twinning possibilities between the province of Yunnan and the five provinces of Burundi.
Finally, he took advantage of this visit to ask that Burundi be represented at the next exhibition, highlighting its coffee, recognized as the best in the world.
**Given Burundi’s emphasis on its coffee industry and its ambition for international partnerships, what specific steps can be taken by the government and international organizations to ensure sustainable growth and equitable benefits for Burundian farmers?**
## Interview: President Sinzohagera’s International Engagements
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we have the privilege of discussing President Sinzohagera’s recent working missions to Kenya and China with two esteemed guests.
**Guest 1:** [Name and credentials of guest 1, likely an expert on East African politics/relations]
**Guest 2:** [Name and credentials of guest 2, potentially a specialist in Burundi-China relations or international development]
**Section 1: Strengthening Regional Cooperation within the East African Community**
* **Interviewer:** Mr. President Sinzohagera’s visit to Nairobi focused on strengthening ties within the East African Community. Guest 1, could you elaborate on the significance of these inter-parliamentary meetings for regional integration? What are the key priorities and challenges facing the EAC currently? How do you see Burundi’s role evolving within the community?
* **Interviewer:** Guest 2, the President mentioned advocating for reimbursement of Burundi’s contribution fees in national currency. What are the potential implications of this proposal for both Burundi and the EAC? Could this signify a broader shift in financial policies within the community?
* **Interviewer:** The upcoming interparliamentary games and the meeting of Presidents of Parliaments are significant events for Burundi. How do these events contribute to Burundi’s regional profile and its ability to engage with neighboring countries on a broader level?
**Section 2: Aligning Burundi’s Vision with Global Partnerships**
* **Interviewer:** Guest 1, the President presented Burundi’s vision for 2040 and 2060 at the international conference in Kunming. How does this vision align with the development goals of both Africa and the wider international community? What specific sectors or areas could be leveraged for attracting foreign investment into Burundi?
* **Interviewer:** Guest 2, the President also emphasized the importance of exploring twinning possibilities between Yunnan province and Burundi’s provinces. What are the benefits of such twinning partnerships, particularly for a country like Burundi that is looking to strengthen its economic and social development?
* **Interviewer:** The President highlighted Burundi’s coffee and its global recognition. How can Burundi capitalize on this unique asset to attract investment, create jobs, and boost its economy? What role can international partnerships play in supporting Burundi’s coffee industry?
**Conclusion:**
Thank you both for sharing your insights on this important topic. President Sinzohagera’s international engagements highlight Burundi’s commitment to regional cooperation, its emerging development vision, and its potential for growth amidst global partnerships.
