Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 26 November 2015: Six new Ambassadors to Ethiopia and Permanent Representatives to the African Union have presented their Credentials to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, and one Ambassador bade his farewell. The letters of credence were presented individually, on Thursday 26 November 2015, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Welcoming each of the new six Permanent Representatives, the AU Commission Chairperson also wished each of them a successful tour of duty.

Panama

First in line for the day was the Permanent Representative of Panama, H.E. Tomas A. Guardia. He is based in Cairo, Egypt, one of three countries where Panama has a diplomatic representation in Africa. Panama plans to expand its presence and enhance its cooperation with Africa. The AUC Chairperson presented Africa’s Agenda 2063, which outlines priority areas for the continent and invited Panama to take advantage of the investment opportunities.

Palestine

Following Panama was the new Palestinian Permanent Representative to the AU, H.E. Nasri Abujaish, who thanked the AUC Chairperson and the AU for the support to the Palestinian people and their cause. They discussed the current situation in Palestine. The Permanent Representative requested for continued support and solidarity from the AU.

Denmark

The new Permanent Representative of Denmark to the AU, H.E. Mette Thygesen, then followed to present her Credentials to the AU Chairperson. She took the opportunity to commend the AUC Chairperson for her leadership on critical continental issues, and also for the tribute paid to one of Africa’s longest serving women diplomat, Ambassador Kongit Sinegiorgis earlier this month. Having participated in the AU Partners Group meeting, she lauded the Chairperson’s engagement and pledged the full support of Denmark within the framework of Africa’s Agenda 2063.

Portugal

Portugal’s new Permanent Representative to the AU, H.E. Afonso Henriques de Azeredo Malheiro, was the next to present his credentials. He looks forward to Portugal strengthening relations at bilateral and multilateral levels with the AU and AU Member States, emphasizing Portugal’s strong interest in contributing to Agenda 2063. The AU and Portugal will soon be signing a Memorandum of Understanding to support the implementation of the AU’s Maritime Strategy.

Canada

Presenting his Credentials to the AUC Chairperson, Canada’s new Permanent Representative, Phillip Baker, expressed his country’s interest in strengthening the Commission’s capacity to implement Agenda 2063, in addition to other areas of on-going collaborations. The two discussed Canada’s interest in supporting the current campaign against child marriage.

Spain

H.E. Borja Montesino now represents Spain to the AU. After presenting his letter of credence to the AUC Chairperson, then they exchanged views on the longstanding relationship between the AU and Spain, as well as bilaterally with AU Member States. The Chairperson briefed him on the great investment opportunities in Africa and invited Spanish companies to take advantage of the same, particularly in manufacturing and broader infrastructural development. The Ambassador assured the Chairperson that Spain was back on track after the financial crises.

United Kingdom

The AU Commission Chairperson also bade farewell to the outgoing Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the AU, H.E. Mr. Grey Dorey. Having served four years in the position, Mr. Dorey said it had been an exciting time to see the AU Commission grow from strength to strength, which, he added, was quite a big shift from what it was when he first arrived.

Concurring with the outgoing UK Permanent Representative, the AUC Chairperson said that it has to do with the way Africans are getting ready to do business, noting that a lot more progress will be made, “if we remain focused.”

They both took the opportunity to discuss other issues of mutual interest, notably around peace, security and development.

Office of the Spokesperson of the Chairperson

African Union Commission

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Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dic@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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Addis Ababa | Ethiopia