The International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) has, through its African Director Amb. John Metchie, extended its heartfelt gratitude to the President of Kenya, William Ruto, for the recent decision to waive visas for African and most Caribbean countries.
This pan-African initiative, according to Amb. Metchie, is a significant step towards promoting regional integration, economic growth, and cultural exchange.
The statement highlighted the expected benefits of the visa waiver policy to include boosting of tourism, which will increase tourist arrivals and revenue, promoting economic growth and cultural exchange.
“Enhance trade, thereby facilitating trade and investment among African countries, fostering economic integration and cooperation.
“Promotion of regional integration which will strengthen regional ties and promote a sense of unity and cooperation among African nations,” he stated.
The statement said IAWPA as an organisation with Special Consultative Status under the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations since 2019, is committed to promoting peace, integration, and development in Africa. It welcomes this decision as a significant step towards achieving these goals.
“Our association will continue to support initiatives that promote regional integration and cooperation and it is important that other African countries tow this path inorder to help promote regional ties and development,” he added.
Amb. Metchie stressed that as part of the association’s mission to promote integration in Africa, it will be leading a high-powered delegation to pay a thank-you visit to the Kenyan President later this year.
The delegation which will be led by Amb. John Metchie, African Director of IAWPA, will express its appreciation for the President’s visionary leadership and commitment to regional integration.
“We are thrilled by the Kenyan President’s decision to remove visas for African and Caribbean countries. This initiative will undoubtedly promote regional integration, economic growth, and cultural exchange. We look forward to paying a thank you visit to the President later this year to express our appreciation for his leadership and vision,” he stated.
