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.
