ARUSHA - The US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Jacob Lew, has said that his country’s role in humanitarian needs and emergency assistance will continue in the East African region.

During a meeting he held with the East African Community (EAC) Secretary General Juma Mwapachu on Wednesday in Arusha, Lew pledged commitment to further strengthen ties between his country and the regional bloc.

He was particularly proud of the support US is extending to the region in terms of disease control and general collaboration to create the expertise, and information needed.

Mwapachu told the US official during the meeting that the EAC was on a steady road towards strong regional integration, giving an example of the numerous achievements in the EAC Customs Union.

He added that negotiations of the EAC Common Market Protocol are ongoing and that the bloc is now gearing towards establishing a duty-free regime come 2010.  

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