The 3rd general conference of the African Union of Railways (UAC) opened in Kinshasa, Zaire, on Monday (20 October).

Zaire's State Commissioner for Transport and Communications, Mr. Kasongo Mutuale opened the conference, and will act as its chairman.

In his opening address, Mr. Mutuale said he hoped Africa could one day overcome the problems of transport links between different nations, a view expressed at this year's Organisation of African Unity (OAU) summit in Kampala.

M. Buzingo spoke on behalf of the Secretary-General of the UAC. M. Buzingo said the conference owed a great debt to Zaire's President Mobutu.

He said President Mobutu's efforts to provide Africa with economic independence and inter-nation railway services were outstanding.

The conference also discussed and praised the newly opened Tan-Zam railway .. linking Tanzania and Zambia, and cited it as an example of what other countries could achieve with co-operation.

SYNOPSIS: Kinshasa and the African Union of Railways (UAC) conference building. The third general conference of the Union opened on Monday.

Delegations of ministers and railway officials from several African nations attended.

Amongst those who sent representatives are Nigeria, and Mauritania. The conference will last five days and includes several inspection tours of railway installations in Zaire.

Zaire's State Commissioner for Transport and Communications, Kasongo Mutuale, opened the conference and acted as its chairman.

In his welcoming address he said he would like to see Africa overcome the problems of transport links between different nations .. a view expressed at this year's OAU summit in Kampala.

The Tan-Zam railway was also discussed. The recently opened rail link between Tanzania and Zambia was highly praised and cited as example of what could be achieved with co-operation between different nations.

M. Buzingo replied to the opening speech on behalf of the UAC's Secretary-General.

He said the conference owed a great debt to Zaire's President Mobutu. He said President Mobutu's efforts to provide Africa with economic independence and an inter-nation railway service were outstanding. M. Buzingo said a spirit of co-operation and goodwill between African nations was essential to future development.