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KIGALI. — Security of the people and goods is important to deepening regional integration, Rwandan President Paul Kagame said Thursday on the annual national dialogue in the capital city Kigali.

“When we talk about regional integration, we should ensure that peace and security prevails in our countries,” said Kagame at the opening of the 16th National Dialogue, locally known as “Umushyikirano.”

Economic integration can succeed only if peace and security are established throughout the region, he said.

Rwanda has worked towards good relations in the region and integration, but the problem comes from how we work with each other, said the president.

Some countries in Rwanda’s neighborhood want regional integration to benefit them only but not others, according to him.

Regional integration “cannot just be for you to take and you don’t give anything, he said.

President Kagame who is also the chairperson of the African Union (AU), said during his tenure as the continental body’s chair, Africa has seen tangible benefits on continental integration efforts, for example, the establishment of AU Peace Fund, African Continental Free Trade Area, Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Right of Establishment.

The two-day meeting brings together members of the cabinet and parliament, representatives of the Rwandan community abroad, local government, civil society organization and diplomatic mission.

The meeting that runs through Friday mainly focuses on the transformation of the welfare of Rwandan citizens. – Xinhua