H.E Kaljulaid Hails African Unity at AU Pavilion

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January 14, 2022

Former President of the Republic of Estonia, H.E. Kersti Kaljulaid, hailed the unity shown by the African continent during her tour of the African Union (AU) pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Kaljulaid paid a courtesy visit to the pavilion at the end of December 2021, and was received by the AU’s Expo 2020 Deputy Commissioner General, Mr. Charles Chiumya, who took her on a guided tour of the ‘memorable pavilion’.

The Former Head of State was on a pavilion tour at the back of the RewirED summit where she participated alongside the African Union. Accompanied by the Estonian Pavilion Commissioner General, Daniel Erik Schaer; Kaljulaid also made stops at the Kenyan and Rwandese pavilions.

During her visit, Her Excellency, Kaljulaid, remarked that in her lifetime she has been to sixteen African states and enjoyed great hospitality on each of the visits.

“We love to host current and former heads of state at our pavilion, especially those who visit us from shores afar. They come to witness, first hand, the trajectory of the continent and we hope that they will go back to their countries encouraging businesses to come and explore this great land of opportunities,” remarked Mr. Chiumya.

“Her Excellency has a wealth of systems knowledge and is an astute leader, having served her people in the highest office. I took to heart her compliments on some of the flagship projects under Agenda 2063, especially those detailed in the African Passport and Free Movement of People” added the Deputy Commissioner General.

Amongst other benefits, the Free movement of persons in Africa is expected to boost intra-Africa trade, commerce and tourism. Facilitating labour mobility, intra-Africa knowledge and skills transfer, whilst promoting pan-African identity, social integration and tourism. Furthermore, it is envisioned that this will go on to improve trans-border infrastructure and shared development.

For her part, the former Estonian Head of State commended Africa for working together in unity to realise its dreams.

Earlier, at the RewirED Summit, the former head of state had reiterated her nation’s commitment to helping implement the digital strategy across the African continent. She highlighted how her country is already helping Kenya digitise its study material and bridging the gap to international standards for young Africans.

The public, media and all other interested parties can keep up-to-date with the latest out of Dubai as well as get all the necessary information surrounding the AUC activities or events by visiting the official AU at Expo 2020 website: https://africaexpo2020dubai.au.int/en

For further information please contact:

Mr. Lunga Kupiso, Public Relations & Media Officer - AUC at Expo 2020 | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission
Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: auexpomedia@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Ms. Faith Adhiambo, Media & Communications Coordinator - AUC at Expo 2020 | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission
Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: ochiengj@african-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia