Saturday, June 25, 2011

African Union: Equatorial Guinea Opens African Union Summit

SOURCE Republic of Equatorial Guinea

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea called on African nations to promote a spirit of solidarity and unity to achieve a strong and prosperous Africa at the opening of the 17th African Union Summit. The same message that was delivered by Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, African Union (AU) chairman and President of Equatorial Guinea on his AU chairmanship nomination speech in Addis Ababa.

Equatorial Guinea's Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophone Affairs and Executive Chairman of the Permanent Committee of the AU, Pastor Micha, reinstated the need to keep a united front to promote a spirit of solidarity and unity. "We can never hope to achieve our aspirations for development if we do not present a spirit of cohesion and solidarity," said Minister Micha.

He went on to say that Africa is responsible for finding the appropriate solutions to their problems, as they live in a time when the continent suffers social setbacks in some regions. "For this we need the support of our partners who enable the development of Africa," said Minister Micha. A roadmap and an action plan have been adopted to overcome these challenges and it is important to carry them out.

The African Union Summit opened with the 22nd ordinary session of the Permanent Representatives Committee (COREP) taking place at the International Conference Center of Sipopo until July 1st.

Early this week, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Promotion of Women launched a Pre-Summit on Gender and Development as a kick-off of the 17th African Union Summit.