Events

THIRD AFRICA-ARAB SUMMIT
19 - 20 NOVEMBER 2013
KUWAIT CITY, STATE OF KUWAIT
Assembly/Africa-Arab/Comm.1(III)

COMMUNIQUE OF THE THIRD AFRICA-ARAB SUMMIT ON PALESTINE

We, the Heads of State and Government of African and Arab countries meeting, in our Third Joint Summit hosted by the State of Kuwait from 19 to 20 November 2013;

Take Note of the resolutions and declarations of the African Union and the League of Arab States including the 2007 Accra Declaration and Decisions of the 18th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union held in Addis Ababa from 20 to 30 January 2012, as well as the relevant resolutions of the Arab League Summits;

Reaffirm our strong position on the need to put an end to the Israeli occupation, since June 1967, of Palestinian and Arab territories and to establish a Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative, the principle of land for peace and the roadmap for a just and comprehensive solution to the problem of Palestinian refugees in accordance with Resolution 194 of the United Nations General Assembly;

Stress our continued support for Palestinian efforts to raise the position of the State of Palestine to that of a full-fledged member of the United Nations. In this regard, renew our call to those countries of the world that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine, to do so;

Condemn the continued illegal and illegitimate Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, as the capital of the State of Palestine. Also reiterate that Israel's continued settlement policy contravenes International Law and undermines the two-state solution and prospects for peace.

Reaffirm of the sanctity of Islamic and Christian shrines in Jerusalem and Warn against the serious consequences of such Israeli measures in occupied East Jerusalem; the Judaisation of that Arab city and obliteration of its Islamic and Christian identity as well as denying Muslims and Christians access to their Holy Places of worship, coupled with the repeated attempts to divide the Aqsa Mosque through bills passed by the Israeli Knesset in contravention of all the relevant international norms and resolutions, and decisions of the African Union and League of Arab States;

Demand that Israel unconditionally and immediately release all Palestinian prisoners languishing in Israeli jails. Equally demand that the Israeli government refrain from arbitrary arrests of Palestinians, including children and women, as an act that violates all international laws and norms including the Geneva Convention on the Rights of Women and Children,

Reiterate our rejection and condemnation of the land and sea blockage imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip and Call for the opening of all crossing points to allow free movement of persons and goods while putting a stop to the construction of the annexation and segregationist wall by Israel in occupied Palestine;

Reaffirm our commitment to support negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli sides based on the Arab Peace Initiative, the two-state solution and the relevant UN resolutions within the 9-month timeframe fixed for these negotiations with effect from 29 July 2013, with a view to establishing the desired peace, ending occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital. Warn against the negative repercussions of the Israeli violations which would undermine the negotiation process.

AFRICAN AND ARAB HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT COMMENCE THEIR MEETING IN KUWAIT

Kuwait City, 19 November 2013- A meeting of the Africa Arab partnership is ongoing at Heads of State and government level in the State of Kuwaiti. The meeting will review progress in the partnership to date and endorse concrete proposals to advance political, peace and security; economic, trade and finance; agriculture and food and security; and socio-cultural cooperation between the two regions for the mutual benefit of their people. Being held under the theme “Partnership in Development and Investment”, the summit is being attended by over 60 countries from both regions. It comes after preceding preparatory meetings by ministers and experts from both regions.

African speakers at the summit’s opening ceremony today advocated strongly for Africa as a continent that has overcome many hardships and that has potential for growth and investment.
“We are the only continent whose working age population is set to grow rather than shrink….. Returns on investment (in Africa) in virtually every sector are higher than any other part of the world… Africa remains endowed with mineral, energy and other natural resources”, said AU Commission Chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

African Union Chairperson and Prime Minister of Ethiopia Mr. Hailemarian Desalegn, who is also co-chairperson of the meeting, spoke of an Africa that has moved on from being considered a “basket case” to one that now offers new markets for growth opportunities. “With vast arable lands, water and other resources, Africa has huge potential to satisfy the food needs of the Arab world” he said.

Both Dr Dlamini Zuma and Mr Desalegn however conceded that the continent faces some challenges, such as conflict, aggression and terrorism. Mr Desalegn strongly highlighted the issue of migration and migrant labour, saying “It’s our collective responsibility”, and urged both sides to give serious and urgent attention to the issue.

The Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah who is co Chairperson of the summit used the occasion to announce two major developments.
“….I directed officials of the Kuwaiti Fund to offer soft loans to African countries in the amount of 1 billion dollars over the next five years, he told his peers.” He also announced the intention by the State of Kuwait to earmark an annual financial award of one million dollars focusing on development research in Africa.

The 3rd Africa Arab summit will emphasize the link between stronger economic cooperation and regional integration. It will endorse private sector engagement in translating political objectives into concrete results. It will also call for increased economic cooperation. At the meeting, the Heads of State will be given an overview of the successes and challenges since the Sirte meeting of 2010, which adopted a new partnership strategy and action plan 2011-2016.

At its conclusion on 20 November, the summit is expected to adopt the “Kuwait Declaration”, which will underline the determination of the heads of state and government from the two regions to achieve results across the four pillar of the partnership i.e. political, peace and security; economic, trade and finance; agriculture and food and security; and socio-cultural cooperation.

Media contacts
Mrs. Wynne Musabayana
Deputy Head of Communication and Information; African Union Commission
Kuwait number 97878547
MusabayanaW@africa-union.org

Ms. Afrah M. Thabit
Directorate of Information and Communication
Tel. Off: (+251) 115-182569
Cell: (+251) 911-200922
E-mail: Thabitma@africa-union.org; afraht@hotmail.com
Website : www.au.int
Follow us on @_AfricaUnion; www.au.int

Africa Arab senior official meeting convene in the State of Kuwait

Kuwait November 14, 2013: The joint senior officials preparatory meeting for the Third Africa-Arab Summit was held today 14th November to discuss the items included in the agenda of the Preparatory Meeting of the Foreign Affairs Ministers in preparation for the Summit.
In his opening remarks ,H.E Dr Abdul Razzak Al-Grady, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Sate of Libya, and President of the Second Africa-Arab Summit expressed his hope that the third session will witness a tangible transformation in the process of Africa Arab economic integration.
Mr. Abdul Razzak highlighted his country's keenness to actively participate in all efforts aiming to boost Africa Arab partnership programs and conclude his remarks by handing over the presidency of the Summit to the State of Kuwait.
The Chief of Staff of the African Union, Ambassador Jean-Baptiste Natama, in his opening remarks spoke highly of the commitment demonstrated by all is eloquent proof of the determination to take this partnership which links both regions as far as possible, in order to generate dividends that are beneficial to our respective populations.

In her speech H.E Kongit Sinegiorgis, the Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the AU and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and Chairperson of the permanent Representatives Committee, said that the theme of the third Africa-Arab Summit: "Partners in Development and Investment" is indeed very pertinent providing us with an overarching framework to exchange views on ways and means of strengthening our partnership on trade, investment and socio-economic development issues.

The undersecretary of the Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E Sulaiman al-Jarallah stated that the achievement of sustainable development requires joint cooperation in economic fields as well as a favorable environment for investments, adequate legislations to encourage investments and improved joint infrastructures. At the end of his speech, he indicated that African and Arab people are placing their hopes in the summit's proceedings and outcomes for the benefit of the joint Arab-African cooperation.
Speaking on behalf of the Arab League Secretary General, Dr Nabil Elaraby, H.E Deputy Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ambassador Ahmed Ben Helli underscored that this will only be possible through a plan with clear objectives; an economic partnership that improves the livelihoods of Arabs and Africans, in addition to scientific and cultural projects focusing on common historical and cultural values and geographical ties.

Kazakhstan and AU explore strengthening cooperation

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 14 November, 2013: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the African Union and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. Berik Aryn, have discussed strengthening cooperation, between the AU, African countries and Kazakhstan.

H.E. Berik Aryn came to present his letters of credence to the AUC Chairperson, Dr. Dlamini Zuma, as the first ever appointed representative of Kazakhstan in Africa, with observer status to the AU.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma and H.E. Berik Aryn exchanged views on possibilities for cooperation between the AU Commission and Kazakhstan in the areas of agriculture, agro-processing, mining, training, energy, and industrialization, amongst others.

“The AU and African countries would like to cooperate and work with very dependable countries. We have priority areas such as agriculture, agro-processing, education, energy, industrialization with which we can cooperate with you. We want to grow beyond raw materials, increase our industrial base, build our infrastructure and better link our continent.” Dr. Dlamini Zuma said, congratulating the Ambassador on his appointment.

H.E. Aryn expressed the gratitude of his government for the Observer status to the AU, and took the opportunity to announce next month’s visit of Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

JEE/

Arab-Africa economic cooperation Forum discuss strategic partnership between Africa and the Arab Regions

Kuwait, 11th November 2013:The First Arab- Africa Cooperation Economic Forum kicks off today 11th November 2013, at Kuwait City, State of Kuwait, under the theme “Beyond the Promise: Moving forward toward an effective Africa-Arab partnership”.The two-day event brings African and Arab government, business and civil society leaders to effecting a strategic mutually beneficial partnership between the two regions.

Officially opening the Forum, H.H. Sheikh Salem Abdulaziz Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the State of Kuwait, highlights the importance of the African-Arab Economic Forum as being convened a week before the 3rd Africa- Arab Summit. He hoped that the Forum comes out with practical implementable recommendations on different economic and social areas, to avail the Arab and African regions opportunities to be exploited within the framework of their cooperation for progress, prosperity and decent life.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance noted that, in an increasingly globalized world, promotion and consolidation of Africa-Arab cooperation represents an added value to the economies of the Arab and African regions. That also contributes to sustainable development, through availing opportunities for collaboration in the areas of food security, investment and trade, and exchange of experiences and knowledge, and research findings on what would enhance the objectives of cooperation.

On behalf of the Commission of the African Union, H.E. Dr. Anthony MothaeMaruping, AUC Commissioner for Economic Affairs said that the cooperation between Arabs and Africans is based on strong foundations of close bonds between Africa and the Arab world. Those strong bonds are based on ancient trade, ethnic and cultural background, linguistic bonds, shared monotheist and revealed faith, geographical proximity. That what is needed is to strive to realize the full potency of these bonds through effective and meaningful co- operation on the ground.

He called upon the participants to be faithful to the Theme and Focus of the Forum. The Commissioner said “We have to resolutely tackle the set objectives shown in the concept note .The overall theme of.:“Beyond Promise : Moving Forward Towards An Effective Arab – African Partnership” with emphasis on “ Beyond Promise”, “ Effective” and on “Partnership” is tell-tale. It is indicative. It is instructive. It is action oriented, practical and entirely hands – on. I commend those who formulated it”.
He called upon the participants to focus on: probing and agreeing on inter-regional development co-operation issues in the areas of investment, infrastructure including energy, on agriculture and food security, trade and environment and examine regional and global considerations that impact on economic development of the two regions and find ways of dealing with them jointly. Thus he stated “ We are urged to consider investment flows in both directions. We are nudged a little to put the roles of non-governmental organizations and civil society on a new and higher plateau. In short, we are urged by stakeholders to harness full energy on all fronts which is at our disposal in the two friendly regions and put it to work full throttle to accelerate broad based co-operation”.

H.E. Dr. Nabil Al Arabi, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, focused in his remarks at the opening ceremony of the African-Arab Economic Forum, delivered on his behalf by Mr. Ahmed Ben Helli, Deputy Secretary-General, on setting fulcrums to determine the Forum's path in the course of Africa-Arab cooperation. That includes; creating a space for interaction between businessmen of Arab and African economists and businessmen, through which information, experiences, statistics, and funding sources can be exchanged, with a view to build an Arab-African partnership and translate the theme of the Forum "towards an effective Arab-African partnership" into economic projects touching the reality of African and Arab citizens.

Mr. Helli emphasized on the importance of exploring African and Arab markets to increase trade and development, noting that recent statistics at the League of Arab States have shown that the volume of the trade between a number of Arab and African countries had reached $ 25 billion in 2010.

Over the two days, the 1stArab- Africa Cooperation Economic Forum will explore opportunities in Africa and Arab regions and promoting collaboration between African Union Commission’s Member States, the Arab region and the world at large. It will focus primarily on how the private sector actors from Africa and Arab can forge sustainable partnerships with a view to enhancing trade and investment relations between the two sides. It also will feature some national and regional project portfolios with regional investment and export trade opportunities that require international and partnerships.

The Forum’s sessions themes include: Arab-Africa development cooperation, investment policy, laws, and procedures in the African countries, mutual Arab-African investments, mutual Africa- Arab cooperation in food security, and the role of non-governmental organizations in development assistance.
The Economic Forum attended bydifferent stakeholders from Africa and Arab world including; Ministers, senior government officials, public sector leaders, leaders of the prominent private sector establishments, specialized Arab and African institutions,regional and international organizations, multilateral agenciesinvestment consultants and economic advisorsinvestment promotion agencies and business council, regional economic communities, and the civil society and others.

The Forum report and recommendations will be submitted to the 3rd Arab-African Summit, scheduled to take place in the state of Kuwait from 19-20 November 2013.

For Further Information consult the AU website: www.au.int , and the 3rd Africa -Arab Summit page on: http://pages.au.int/afroarab\ http://www.kuwaitsummits.gov.kw

Media Contact:

Ms. Afrah M. Thabit
Directorate of Information and Communication
Cell :+965-98011965
E-mail: Thabitma@africa-union.org
afraht@hotmail.com
Website : www.au.int