Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has held a consultative dialogue with Finnish President Alexander Stubb on the sidelines of the ongoing Kultaranta Talks, hosted at the historic Kultaranta Presidential Castle in Naantali.
The meeting focused on Africa’s shifting security landscape, with particular emphasis on the Horn of Africa.
The leaders underscored the urgent need to sustain international focus on Somalia’s peacebuilding process, especially as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) continues its drawdown amidst increasing regional tensions.
Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to multilateralism and emphasized the importance of African-led solutions to the continent’s challenges.
“Our conversation focused on the shifting security landscape in Africa, with a particular lens on developments in the Horn of Africa. We underscored the critical need to sustain international momentum behind Somalia’s peacebuilding process, especially in light of the ongoing ATMIS drawdown and heightened regional sensitivities,” he said.
He called for strengthened support for regional blocs such as the East African Community (EAC), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which he termed as critical pillars for sustainable peace.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary also stressed the value of engaging eminent persons and regional frameworks in driving dialogue, mediation, and long-term conflict resolution.
In response, President Stubb assured Mudavadi of Europe’s continued backing for African regional bodies and expressed Finland’s interest in deepening cooperation with Africa in peace and security matters.
The Kultaranta Talks serve as Finland’s premier foreign and security policy forum, bringing together global leaders, thinkers, and diplomats to engage on emerging international issues.
