Mwencha meet the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Internal Trade and Telecommunication of the Republic of Serbia

Belgrade, Serbia, 16 December 2013 – In the framework of his first official working visit to Belgrade, H. E Erastus J. O. Mwencha, African Union Commission’s Deputy Chairperson, on Monday 16 December 2013, met the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Internal Trade and Telecommunication of the Republic of Serbia, H.E. Mr. Rasim Ljajic, who reiterated the readiness and the commitment of his country to improve its cooperation with African countries and the African Union as a hole.

The meeting recalled the traditional and great friendship between Africa and Serbia and emphasised the importance of acting proactively to exchange knowledge and experiences. The discussion went through the diverse areas of partnership and examined the possibilities to conduct trainings sessions to empower young people in the areas of science and technology, among others.
The two sides agreed on the necessity to put in place a mechanism in order to ensure common activities and conduct regular reviews. A Memorandum of Understanding will define the areas of cooperation and fixe the practical modalities of cooperation.
The African Union Commission’s Deputy Chairperson also met with the State Secretary of Defense of the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Zoran Dordevic and explored the prospects and possibilities on how to develop cooperation in the field of military education and trainings; peace and security management and conflicts prevention; as well as exchange of information and knowledge and operational capability.

After his meetings, the Deputy Chairperson visited the headquarters of Energoprojekt Holding and Jugoimport SDPR working in the fields of infrastructure and energy, and import of defense equipment respectively. He also took a field trip to Galenika Company, the only state-owned pharmaceutical company.

H.E. Erastus Mwencha will tomorrow, Tuesday 17 December 2013, meet the Serbian Prime Minister, Ivica Dacic and H.E. Mr. Ivan Mrkic, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

A press conference will end the official visit of the African Union Commission’s Deputy Chairperson to Serbia.

For further information contact
Mrs. Habiba Mejri-Cheikh, Director of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: habibaM@africa-union.org | mejri-cheikh.habiba@hotmail.com I Web www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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