KIGALI - Kigali will next week host the 42nd Africa Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) annual conference.

This was revealed yesterday at a news conference called by the President of the Senate, Dr. Vincent Biruta, and Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Rose Mukantabana.

Over 300 guests will grace the event that runs from June 11 –  under the theme: "Consolidating Growth and Development”.

Biruta said that hosting the conference has numerous benefits, including the sharing of experiences, networking and other diplomatic-level benefits like improved relations.

"First of all, seeing lawmakers from those entire CPA member countries come to gather here, provides us with an opportunity to show our country’s image – and we even get to contribute in the various topics to be discussed,” said Dr. Biruta.

Mukantabana reminded that Rwanda was admitted to the Commonwealth group of nations, in 2009, after careful scrutiny, and that foreign lawmakers coming to Rwanda for the first time will have an opportunity to observe – first hand – the country’s strides.

Thematic sessions of the Kigali CPA conference will discuss the issue of food security and sustainable livelihood and the role of Parliament in mitigating the impact of genetically modified crops on poverty and food security in Africa.

Democracy, good governance, gender, terrorism, piracy and the challenge of Parliaments in safeguarding the national development interests in an atmosphere where the Executive plays a dominant role, will also be on the agenda.
 

Of the 18 African CPA member countries, 15 have already confirmed attendance.The last CPA Africa conference was held in South Africa.

Ends