Tunis, Tunisia, April 29, 2019: In line with the African Union’s (AU) efforts to ensure that member states are fully involved in its work and to enhance the collaboration between the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) and the African Union Commission (AUC), the 8^th Joint Retreat of the PRC-AUC commenced today in Tunis.

The specific objectives of the 8^th Joint Retreat of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) and the African Union Commission (AUC), are to:

1. Take stock of the state of preparations for the 1^st Coordination Meeting in Niamey, Niger scheduled for 8 July 2019;

2. Provide an overview on the state of the restructuring of the AU Commission;

3. Specify the modalities of collaboration between PRC and AUC.

The Joint Retreat is expected to:

1. Seek proposals for improving the process of preparations for the 1^st Coordination Meeting;

2. Seek proposals on the zero draft for restructuring the Commission; and

3. Improve working methods and enhance collaboration between the PRC and the AU Commission.

In his opening remarks the AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat commended the contribution of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee in the development of guidelines towards the continental integration agenda. 

The Chairperson said that the upcoming Coordination Meeting to be held in Niamey is a key element to reinforce greater operational synergy between the African Union and Regional Economic Communities to ensure a clearer distribution and differentiation of roles between the regional bodies and the continental organisation.

In his welcoming remarks during the opening session of the 8^th Joint Retreat of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) and the African Union Commission (AUC), Mr. Khemaies Jhinaoui, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tunisia formally welcomed all participants on behalf of the Government of Tunisiaand expressed his delight that the meeting is the 1^st meeting of PRC-AUC to take place in Tunisia. The Minister paid tribute to the efforts of Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat especially towards the institutional and financial reform of the Union currently underway. 

Minister Jhinaoui emphasised the attachment of Tunisia to enhance tolerance and solidarity between States and the principles of a rules-based international system. 

 “Multilateralism and collective action instruments of international governance are vital to meet crisis in our continent.” added Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui. 

Furthermore, the Minister underlined his country’s readiness to take up a nonpermanent seat on the Security Council from 2020 to 2021 to reinforce the cooperation between the African Union and the United Nations (UN). 

The first day of the two day meeting was also attended by the AUC Deputy Chairperson, Amb. Kwesi Quartey and attended by AU Commissioners, members of the PRC, AUC Staff as well as RECs representatives.

For further information, kindly contact:

1. Mr. Gamal Ahmed A. Karrar| Communication Officer| Directorate of Information and Communication, African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org

1. Ms. Ebba Kalondo, Spokesperson of the Chairperson |African Union Commission |

E-mail: KalondoE@africa-uion.org 

For further information: Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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