Commissioner Kaloko Discusses Cooperation Ties in Social Welfare related issues, while on an official visit in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Addis Ababa, 19 February 2016 - Following an invitation from the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Commissioner for Social Affairs, Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko, led an official mission to Tehran from 12th-16th February 2016. The visit was to explore possible avenues of solidifying the ties between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the African Union.

During the visit, the Commissioner and delegation met and held discussions with several key Government functionaries on how to strengthen cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the African Union with its member states in the following areas: Social Welfare, Health (especially the Africa Centers for Disease Control) research and training, drug control, youth and women empowerment, Sports, Culture, Labour and Employment, Science and Technology and other social issues.

The Commissioner for Social Affairs, during the various meetings with senior officials of the Iranian Government, underlined the new development trajectory of the African Union under its Agenda 2063 which focuses on development plan that is people-centered, inclusive and sustainable. The Iranians on acknowledging the importance placed on Agenda 2063, emphasized their willingness to support the African Union, in diverse ways, in the implementation of Agenda 2063 through a mutually beneficial cooperation that takes in to cognizance respect, dignity and equality of all partners.

The Iranians also expressed their concerns over the growing and alarming spread of international terrorism and the existential threat it poses to international peace and security. They were particularly concerned about extremist groups such as ISIL, Al Qaeda and their affiliates who have found home in Africa under nomenclatures such Al Shabbab, Boko Haram, Al Qaeda in the Maghreb (AQIM) and other extremist movements in Libya and North Africa. They argued that the wars in Yemen, Syria and Iraq have brought about the convergence of like-minded terrorist groups whose trade of violence and extremism is being exported globally. They assured the Commissioner and his delegation of Iran’s inclination to work with the African Union and its member states to counter the extremist groups and the threat they continue to pose to international peace and security.

With sanctions lifted, Iran returns to the international stage with huge potentials to tap into, and Africa stands a chance to gain from any cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

For further information:

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

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Directorate of Information and Communication
Directorate of Information and Communication | Information and Communication | African Union Commission

Tel: +251-11-5517700 | Fax: | E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.int

Addis Ababa | Ethiopia