Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo in LUANDA, Angola
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa today joins world leaders as the 7th African Union-European Union Summit begins, bringing together Heads of State from both continents for critical discussions on strengthening international cooperation.
The two-day summit, marking a milestone in intercontinental relations, celebrates 25 years of formal partnership between the AU and EU.
Under the theme “Promoting peace and prosperity through effective multilateralism,” the meeting represents a crucial platform for addressing shared global challenges.
Notably, the summit will be co-chaired by Angolan President João Lourenço, representing the African Union, and European Council President António Costa, symbolising the equal partnership between the two blocs.
The EU will also be represented by the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and the AU by Chair of the African Union Commission (AUC) Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
For Zimbabwe, the summit provides an important opportunity to engage with European counterparts amid its engagement and re-engagement efforts with the international community.
“The AU and the EU will convene the 7th AU–EU bringing together Heads of State and Government and Member States for the two unions to reaffirm to reaffirm their shared commitment to multilateralism, solidarity, and joint action to address common challenges,” said the AU in a press release.
The AU-EU partnership, formally established at the first Africa-EU Summit in Cairo in 2000, continues to serve as a vital platform for political dialogue, economic collaboration and cultural exchange between the two continents.
Over the past quarter century, this strategic relationship has delivered tangible results in areas such as infrastructure development, peace operations, education and skills, health, innovation and climate resilience.
The AU said both itself and the EU were committed to fostering regional economic integration and sustainable growth, bringing together people, regions and organisations.
“The AU and EU work together on sustainable trade and investment that create growth and jobs, as well as, on accelerating the green and digital transitions strengthening health systems and improving education and skills.”
In terms of peace security and governance, the AU said the two blocs continued to partner for stability in both continents.
“The AU and EU remain steadfast in their joint commitment to peace, security and good governance, recognising that stability, the rule of law, and strong democratic institutions are essential foundations for sustainable development.
“Both Unions collaborate closely to advance peace and stability across the continent through civilian and military training missions, and by strengthening the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) as a cornerstone for conflict prevention, management, and post-conflict reconstruction in Africa,” said the continental body.
Human development has also remained at the core of the AU-EU partnership.
“Joint initiatives on migration and mobility, education, culture, exchange opportunities, social inclusion and humanitarian affairs, empower people, especially women and youth, to build prosperous and inclusive societies.
“The AU and EU are committed to the rule of law, good governance, democratic principles, respect for human rights, gender equality and justice,” said the AU.
Representing more than 40 percent of the United Nation’s (UN) membership, the AU and EU have strong support for multilateralism, with the UN Charter at the core.
“Both are working to increase the legitimacy and effectiveness of the multilateral system: cooperation within the G20, chaired by South Africa, and the Pact for the Future are two examples.
“Together, they are driving global action to promote shared fundamental values and to address climate change and protect the planet,” said the AU.
The European Council president said the summit would further cement the cooperation and partnership between the EU and African countries.
“A strong, balanced, and forward-looking EU-Africa partnership is our goal for this milestone summit,” said president Costa.
The EU is a top trading partner of African countries as they collectively constitute the bloc’s fourth largest trading partner.
The EU has negotiated preferential trade agreements with 19 African countries and more than 90 percent of African exports enter the EU market of 450 million consumers free of import duties.
Today’s summit will build on the outcomes of the EU-AU ministerial meeting held in Brussels last May, where ministers reaffirmed their commitment to creating closer ties between the two continents, guided by shared values, mutual interests and a joint vision for sustainable growth and stability.
