Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2nd April 2019: The African Union Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology, Prof Sarah Anyang Agbor today held bilateral talks with Admiral United States Navy, Mr. James G. Foggo III, the Commander for Allied Joint Force Command Naples, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa and the High Level Delegation from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to the African Union.

Prof Sarah Anyang Agbor, on behalf of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, His Excellency Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, warmly welcomed the NATO High Level Delegation to the African Union Headquarters. The meeting acknowledged the importance of the advancing the collaboration between the African Union and NATO in issues related to political connectivity, capacity building, and continental collaboration.

Prof Sarah Anyang Agbor expressed gratitude for the visit and provided short briefing on AU Agenda 2063, which aspires for an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa and the entrenchment of democracy, good governance, human rights, justice and rule of law.

The African Union Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology Highlighted some of the flagship projects such as “Silencing the Guns by 2020”, which has recorded some achievements in conflict prevention and post conflict reconstruction on the continent. Prof Sarah Anyang Agbor informed the High Level Delegation that the AU has signed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to accelerate intra-Africa trade and sustainable development through integration projects such as the African Passport, Free Movement of Peoples and the Single Africa Air Transport Market. The AU Reform Agenda also calls for self-financing of AU conflict prevention and resolution with the creation of the Peace Fund.

She also discussed on ways of enhancing bilateral relations between the African Union and NATO as well as on the AU theme for 2019, “The year of Refugees, Returnees & Internally Displaced Persons: Toward Durable Solutions to Forced Displacement in Africa”.

Prof Sarah Anyang Agbor expressed gratitude for all the support given by NATO over the years and also appreciate the cooperation that exists between AU-NATO and called for closer collaboration and commended the cooperation and support in the operationalization of the African Standby Forces (ASF) and the operationalization of the AU Continental Logistical Base in Douala and request for the extension of the bi-annual military-military engagements to civilian personnel of both AU-NATO.

The Commander for Allied Joint Force Command Naples, U.S. Naval, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Admiral James G. Foggo III briefed the Commissioner, Prof. Sarah Anyang Agbor on NATO’s new efforts in counter-terrorism, cyber-security and the refugees and migration crises in Europe.

Admiral Foggo ​ further stated that "There have been enormous progress on the Africa continent, particularly in those 38 countries that have a coastline. We can be very proud of what our African partners have achieved". He emphasized that political connectivity is very important and must be strengthened as well as political cooperation and practical collaboration are very essential for progress. NATO is ready to bring expertise as political and military organisation. Integrity building programmes of NATO can help to build good governance. Moreover, as part of the Maritime Security efforts, one of the vessels will be brought to go round the Gulf of Guinea.

The visit of the NATO High Level Delegation is part of the preparations for the upcoming staff talks between NATO and the African Union to take place in Addis Ababa in May 2019.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

AU-NATO Cooperation

AU-NATO cooperation dates back to 2005, when the AU requested for logistics and airlift support for its Mission in Sudan. The cooperation has evolved to three key areas including operational support, capacity-building and assistance in the establishment of the African Standby Force (ASF), among others. NATO has also provided support to the AMISOM in Somalia. In 2014, a Technical Agreement was signed between AU-NATO leading to the opening of a NATO Liaison Office at the AU Headquarters in 2015. As part of the agreement NATO has been providing training for military and civilian staff of the AUC. The two organizations hold bi-annual military-to-military staff meetings.

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