Bulgaria, Francophonie, UNICEF and Pakistan Reps present letters of credence

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - 30 July, 2014: Four newly appointed Ambassadors and Chargé to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representatives to the African Union have presented their letters of credence to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

Bulgaria
Congratulating and welcoming the Chargé d'Affaires of the Republic of Bulgaria, H.E. Dragavest Garanov, to Africa, Dr. Dlamini Zuma expressed the hope that he will find it most useful in his career. Being posted to Addis Ababa, and to Africa for the first time, Amb. Garanov pledged his best to better understand the AU in order to contribute to strengthening the relationship between the AU and Bulgaria, as well as promoting the relationship between the EU and Africa.

La Francophonie
H.E. Malik Sarr is the new Permanent Representative of the "Organisation Internationale pour la Francophonie." He presented his letter of Credence, highlighting the interest of his Organisation to strengthen collaboration with the AU in the areas of education, agriculture, conflict management and political cooperation. He extended an invitation from President Abdou Diof, President of the OIF to have the AUC Chairperson attend the next Francophonie Summit scheduled for Dakar during which he will stand down, allowing place for the new President who will be elected.

UNICEF
"UNICEF is an organsiation that is close to all our hearts." Dr. Dlamini Zuma greeted Dr. Iyorlumum Uhaa, UNICEF's newly appointed Representative to the AU and the UNECA. Presenting his letter of Credence, Dr. Uhaa echoed UNICEF's commitment to make sure that the next generation of African children will grow healthily, be well educated and fully able to contribute to Africa's growth and prosperity.

A strong advocate against child marriage, Dr. Dlamini Zuma emphasized that "If we do everything to get the girls to school, and keep them at school, it is the best strategy to fight against child marriage. Parents should know this." The AUC said to the new UNICEF representative.

Pakistan
Presenting his letter of Credence to the AUC Chairperson, H.E. Imram Yawar, Ambassador designate of Pakistan to Ethiopia expressed his delight for the opportunity to work with Africa, which he described as "having an important role to play in global politics. For thesis reason, he said, his country's foreign policy is geared toward improving relationship with Africa.

Welcoming Amb. Imram Yawar, Dr. Dlamini Zuma expressed appreciation of Pakistan's cooperation with AU Member States, particularly in the areas of peacekeeping, diplomacy, banking and finance. She hoped he will find it gratifying working with the AU.