Closing remarks of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma to the 4th Africa-European Union Summit

Brussels, 4 April 2014

 
Excellency, Chairperson of the European Council and

Excellency, Chairperson of the African Union

Excellency, Chairperson of the European Union Commission

Excellencies, Heads of State and Government

Excellency, Secretary General of the United Nations,

Excellencies, EU and AU Commissioners

Leaders of Delegations and Ministers

Ladies and Gentlemen

African and European leaders have spoken. We have demonstrated that there is much that we can and must do together to confront common challenges and take advantage of opportunities and to secure peace and security and achieve rapid, resilient and inclusive as well as sustainable social and economic development for our people.

We have come together not simply as neighbors or because of our shared history. We have come together because we face common challenges and a shared future as peoples of one planet earth that invites all global citizens to pay attention to sustainability considerations.

We are all agreed that our people must be at the centre of our joint endeavor and especially women and youth.
There is a great deal of convergence of how to confront challenges to peace and security and sustainable development as well as the need for strong institutional mechanism, to address root causes and a rapid response mechanism. We in Africa greatly appreciate the support from Europe through the Peace Support Fund. Africa remains determined to silence all guns by 2020.

We have committed ourselves on the need for transformation of African economy through investment in industry, agriculture and infrastructure and through access to finance, markets and transfer of technology.

In order to take advantage of the demographic dividends Africa, seeks support to impart skills to the youthful population and access to means of production and markets. In addressing the phenomenon of human migration we must face up to the push and pull factors.

To boost intra-Africa trade, create regional value chains, and encourage private investments we are committed to developing a Continental a Free a Trade Area by building on achievements of the Regional Economic Communities.

Lest we are misunderstood. Africa is very much alive to the reality that the new trade regime under the WTO calls for reciprocity, which takes into account developmental needs of Africa. We therefore call on you as partners to ensure that EPAs do not frustrate Africa's integration and development agenda.

Partnerships are always stronger when founded on mutual trust goodwill and respect. We trust that our long-standing partnership will remain guided by these values.

In conclusion, a special thanks to the European Union for the vibrant side events, with civil society and especially the engagements with young people from the two continents and the private sector.

Our appreciation to the EU and the Kingdom of Belgium for hosting this Summit and for all who attended this 4th EU-Africa Summit.

I thank you.