Germany Congratulates the African People for the 50th Anniversary of the (OAU)/AU

Addis Ababa, 18th March 2013 - In the framework of strengthening the Africa-German relationship, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) welcomed Mr. Joachim GAUCK, President of the Federal Republic of Germany at the AUC Headquarters in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia on Monday March 18th, 2013.

The President of the Federal Republic of Germany in his address to an open session of the Permanent Representatives Committee of the African Union (AU) said he was honoured to address the Committee at a time when Africa is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Organization of African Unity (OAU)/AU, and congratulated the African people on behalf of his country.

He emphasized that Africa achieved much in the past 50 years when one considers that five decades is not a very long time in the great history of the continent.

The President stressed that Germany will continue to support the AU in its efforts to anchor peace and security. He said the new building for peace and security department which will be given as a gift from his country is an important symbol of this partnership.

He said "Our commitment makes Germany the African Union’s second-largest bilateral partner, and we will stand alongside the African Union". (See complete speech of the President on the AU website: www.au.int)

Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma expressed in her welcoming remarks her happiness to have his Excellency and his delegation at the African Union headquarters. She said both parties had long discussions about the African Union Commission’s priorities as well as the 50th Anniversary of the OAU among many other issues of mutual interest between Africa and Germany.

Amb. Konjit Sinegiorgis, Permanent representative of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the AU and Chairperson of the Permanent Representative’s Committee (PRC) said in her opening remarks that the visit of the President to the AUC is of very high importance when Africa is celebrating its 50th Anniversary "Africa is rising despite the challenges and difficulties it is facing", she added.

It is to be recalled that, among other things, Germany supports the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program (CAADP), and the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA).

Upon the arrival of the President, at the continental organization, His Excellency was warmly greeted by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, The Deputy Chairperson, the Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Directors, the PRC and the AU staff members.