80 African and European Heads of State to attend African-EU Summit in Libya

Published on November 29, 2010 by Cocorioko News · No Comments

Libya – Africa and the EU will hold their 3rd Summit in Tripoli (Libya) on 29–30 November 2010. 80 African and European Heads of State and Government are expected, and some 50 observers from third countries and international organisations are invited. The Summit will be the occasion to review the achievements of the Strategic Partnership, to discuss the burning issues of the day and to agree on future priorities for cooperation in light of global challenges and opportunities, Global Arab Network reports according to a press statement.

Addressing common challenges and opportunities

Under the overarching Summit theme “Investment, Economic Growth and Job Creation”, leaders will discuss concrete ways to stimulate inclusive growth, to create employment opportunities, and to consolidate the recovery from the global financial and economic crisis. This joint response should lead to the expansion of trade, investments and people-to-people contacts which will benefit both continents.

Within this framework, leaders will address other key issues
including:
• Peace and security
• Climate change
• Regional integration and private sector development
• Infrastructure and energy
• Agriculture and food security
• Migration

Leaders will adopt a joint statement with the Summit’s main conclusions and commitments, together with an Action Plan for 2011–13 that translates the Summit themes into concrete action. The Action Plan will build on the work accomplished since 2007 and reflect the shared determination to respond effectively to the challenges of tomorrow.

The people-centred approach

A series of high-level side-events will take place in the margins of the Summit. African and European representatives of civil society, youth, the private sector, trade unions, researchers and scientists will discuss ways to strengthen the Partnership and to consolidate their active participation. They will provide an additional impetus to the Joint Strategy as a “people-centred partnership” and feed directly into the Summit discussions.

Bringing the Africa-EU relations to a new level: the Joint Africa-EU Strategy

The Strategic Partnership established in 2007 in Lisbon has moved the Africa-EU relationship to a new level. Both sides agreed to pursue common interests and strategic objectives together, beyond the focus of traditional development policy. The two continents started cooperating as equal partners. Since then, successive Action Plans have reinforced the intercontinental dialogue and led to concrete action in key areas of common concern.

Eight thematic partnerships ensure the operational follow-up:
1. Peace and security
2. Democratic governance and human rights
3. Trade, regional integration and infrastructure
4. Millennium development goals (MDGs)
5. Energy
6. Climate change
7. Migration, mobility and employment
8. Science, information society and space

From Lisbon to Tripoli and beyond

Since 2007, the Partnership has considerably extended the Africa-EU political dialogue and cooperation. Innovative working arrangements (illustrated by the establishment of the EU Delegation to the AU and the participation of actors such as the European and Pan-African parliaments, civil society or the private sector) have led to tangible results.

For more information on the 3rd Africa-EU Summit in Libya, click HERE.

Global Arab Network

PHOTO : LIBYAN LEADER MOAMER GHADDAFI