Arusha — Presidents of member states of East African Community on Friday signed the Common Market Protocol paving way for free movement of goods, labour and services in the region.

They included President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of the United Republic of Tanzania, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi.

President of Zanzibar Dr. Amani Abeid Karume, Speakers of Parliaments, Member's of the EAC Legislative Assembly attended the 11th summit of the Head of States with other high profile foreign dignitaries who included chief executives of several regional and international organizations. During the 11th Summit, the Heads of State received a progress report of the Council of Ministers of the East African Community on the activities of the community for the period April 2009 to November 2009.

They also received a report on the way forward on the establishment of the Political Federation and also a report on the progress towards establishing the Monetary Union.

A report on the finalization of the negotiations on the Protocol for the establishment of the East African Community Common Market was also presented during the summit.

The leader also received a report on the development of a regional youth employment programme and adopted the declaration on employment creation and poverty reduction with a special focus on youth.

They later laid the foundation stone to mark the commencement of the construction works of the EAC Headquarters building and planted commemorative trees at the site.

They later addressed a public rally at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha and they joined other citizens in a dinner gala held at Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge in Arusha.