French Senators take back Message of Africa’s Road map

Addis Ababa, 15 May, 2013:A visiting delegation of French Senators is taking back a message to France and other European partners to align with Africa’s road map for the next fifty years. The delegation was received in audience by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.They came with great interest to understand what the future holds for France-Africa and Europe-Africa relationshipsas Africa conceives an ambitious vision, amidstheated preparations for the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the Organisation of African Unity and African Union.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma welcomed the delegation and expressed her appreciation for the interest with which the world awaits to celebrate the continent’s Golden Jubilee. “It is an interesting and exciting time for Africa,”she said, adding that, “it’s important to take time to reflect on the past, taking stock of the present, while imagining what Africa should look like in 50 years.We think that if you don’t dream about it, it cannot work.”

The Chairperson laid out the continent’s priority areas, which include: Investing in development of knowledge and skills of our people, being the continent’s greatest assets; developing agriculture and agro-processing industries; using our mineral resources for the benefit of our people and developing our infrastructure, including energy, water, information technology and transport.
Responding to what the Chairperson sees as the role of France, she invited France and Europe to provide any support in line with the priorities as laid out in the African Agenda.

The French delegation comprised of Senators Jean-Marie BOCKEL, Robert HUE and Kalliopi ANGO ELA, andwas accompanied by H.E. Brigitte Collet, French Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.The AUC Chief of Staff, Ambassador Jean-Baptiste Natama joined the AUC Chairperson to receive the delegation.