Iran Press/Africa: The participants in this two days meeting discussed the ways to strengthen security in the region and also economic development of the member countries, Iran Press News Agency reported.
IGAD's executive Secretary "Mahboub Moalim" said: “We have to look at the political climate in the bloc, and at how we can harmonize it to create a better world.”
Of course, conflict and its resolution is not a switch one can switch on and off, said the executive secretary who insisted the intergovernmental body will have to continue with dialogue, and playing its part to create lasting peace in the region.
Mahboub Moalim said that he was proud of his heads of state, who met an average of eight to nine times to try and resolve the conflict in South Sudan.
Also, Ugandan state minister for foreign affairs "Okello Oryem" said: "it was the important member countries which sought ways to prevent conflict on bloc and leverage potentials that come with order."
“We could save up billions (of dollars) if we were able to prevent conflict in the region,” said Oryem.
The IGAD and the United Nations department of political affairs meeting kicked off in Kampala on Thursday, prioritized peace and security on the bloc, as various delegates talked about the need to find new ways to promote sustainable harmony among member states.
It was the second dialogue of IGAD and the UN department was holding in Uganda this year.
In April, the organs met to discuss a proposed protocol on free movement of persons in the region. The move was particularly pushed by South Sudan, which contributes some more refugees in bloc because of an unending feud in the country.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development is an eight-country trade bloc in Africa. It includes Uganda, Kenya, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan and Djibouti.
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