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June 13, 2016

MEDIA ADVISORY

THE TICAD VI PREPARATORY MINISTERIAL MEETING

November 20, 2013

AFRICA ARAB SUMMIT ADOPTS RESOLUTIONS AND DECLARATION

Kuwait City, 20 November 2013- Leaders of African and Arab countries who are meeting in the 3rd Arica Arab summit in Kuwait have adopted the following documents:

• Kuwait Declaration
• Resolutions
• Communique of the third Africa Arab summit on Palestine

The summit outcome documents are attached below: They are also available on the AU website www.au.int

Media contacts
Mrs. Wynne Musabayana
Deputy Head of Communication and Information; African Union Commission
Kuwait number 97878547
MusabayanaW@africa-union.org

Ms. Afrah M. Thabit
Directorate of Information and Communication
Tel. Off: (+251) 115-182569
Cell: (+251) 911-200922
E-mail: Thabitma@africa-union.org; afraht@hotmail.com
Website : www.au.int

Follow us on @_AfricaUnion; www.au.int

November 20, 2013

THIRD AFRICA-ARAB SUMMIT
19 - 20 NOVEMBER 2013
KUWAIT CITY, STATE OF KUWAIT
Assembly/Africa-Arab/Comm.1(III)

COMMUNIQUE OF THE THIRD AFRICA-ARAB SUMMIT ON PALESTINE

We, the Heads of State and Government of African and Arab countries meeting, in our Third Joint Summit hosted by the State of Kuwait from 19 to 20 November 2013;

Take Note of the resolutions and declarations of the African Union and the League of Arab States including the 2007 Accra Declaration and Decisions of the 18th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union held in Addis Ababa from 20 to 30 January 2012, as well as the relevant resolutions of the Arab League Summits;

Reaffirm our strong position on the need to put an end to the Israeli occupation, since June 1967, of Palestinian and Arab territories and to establish a Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative, the principle of land for peace and the roadmap for a just and comprehensive solution to the problem of Palestinian refugees in accordance with Resolution 194 of the United Nations General Assembly;

Stress our continued support for Palestinian efforts to raise the position of the State of Palestine to that of a full-fledged member of the United Nations. In this regard, renew our call to those countries of the world that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine, to do so;

Condemn the continued illegal and illegitimate Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, as the capital of the State of Palestine. Also reiterate that Israel's continued settlement policy contravenes International Law and undermines the two-state solution and prospects for peace.

Reaffirm of the sanctity of Islamic and Christian shrines in Jerusalem and Warn against the serious consequences of such Israeli measures in occupied East Jerusalem; the Judaisation of that Arab city and obliteration of its Islamic and Christian identity as well as denying Muslims and Christians access to their Holy Places of worship, coupled with the repeated attempts to divide the Aqsa Mosque through bills passed by the Israeli Knesset in contravention of all the relevant international norms and resolutions, and decisions of the African Union and League of Arab States;

Demand that Israel unconditionally and immediately release all Palestinian prisoners languishing in Israeli jails. Equally demand that the Israeli government refrain from arbitrary arrests of Palestinians, including children and women, as an act that violates all international laws and norms including the Geneva Convention on the Rights of Women and Children,

Reiterate our rejection and condemnation of the land and sea blockage imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip and Call for the opening of all crossing points to allow free movement of persons and goods while putting a stop to the construction of the annexation and segregationist wall by Israel in occupied Palestine;

Reaffirm our commitment to support negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli sides based on the Arab Peace Initiative, the two-state solution and the relevant UN resolutions within the 9-month timeframe fixed for these negotiations with effect from 29 July 2013, with a view to establishing the desired peace, ending occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital. Warn against the negative repercussions of the Israeli violations which would undermine the negotiation process.

November 19, 2013

AFRICAN AND ARAB HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT COMMENCE THEIR MEETING IN KUWAIT

Kuwait City, 19 November 2013- A meeting of the Africa Arab partnership is ongoing at Heads of State and government level in the State of Kuwaiti. The meeting will review progress in the partnership to date and endorse concrete proposals to advance political, peace and security; economic, trade and finance; agriculture and food and security; and socio-cultural cooperation between the two regions for the mutual benefit of their people. Being held under the theme “Partnership in Development and Investment”, the summit is being attended by over 60 countries from both regions. It comes after preceding preparatory meetings by ministers and experts from both regions.

African speakers at the summit’s opening ceremony today advocated strongly for Africa as a continent that has overcome many hardships and that has potential for growth and investment.
“We are the only continent whose working age population is set to grow rather than shrink….. Returns on investment (in Africa) in virtually every sector are higher than any other part of the world… Africa remains endowed with mineral, energy and other natural resources”, said AU Commission Chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

African Union Chairperson and Prime Minister of Ethiopia Mr. Hailemarian Desalegn, who is also co-chairperson of the meeting, spoke of an Africa that has moved on from being considered a “basket case” to one that now offers new markets for growth opportunities. “With vast arable lands, water and other resources, Africa has huge potential to satisfy the food needs of the Arab world” he said.

Both Dr Dlamini Zuma and Mr Desalegn however conceded that the continent faces some challenges, such as conflict, aggression and terrorism. Mr Desalegn strongly highlighted the issue of migration and migrant labour, saying “It’s our collective responsibility”, and urged both sides to give serious and urgent attention to the issue.

The Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah who is co Chairperson of the summit used the occasion to announce two major developments.
“….I directed officials of the Kuwaiti Fund to offer soft loans to African countries in the amount of 1 billion dollars over the next five years, he told his peers.” He also announced the intention by the State of Kuwait to earmark an annual financial award of one million dollars focusing on development research in Africa.

The 3rd Africa Arab summit will emphasize the link between stronger economic cooperation and regional integration. It will endorse private sector engagement in translating political objectives into concrete results. It will also call for increased economic cooperation. At the meeting, the Heads of State will be given an overview of the successes and challenges since the Sirte meeting of 2010, which adopted a new partnership strategy and action plan 2011-2016.

At its conclusion on 20 November, the summit is expected to adopt the “Kuwait Declaration”, which will underline the determination of the heads of state and government from the two regions to achieve results across the four pillar of the partnership i.e. political, peace and security; economic, trade and finance; agriculture and food and security; and socio-cultural cooperation.

Media contacts
Mrs. Wynne Musabayana
Deputy Head of Communication and Information; African Union Commission
Kuwait number 97878547
MusabayanaW@africa-union.org

Ms. Afrah M. Thabit
Directorate of Information and Communication
Tel. Off: (+251) 115-182569
Cell: (+251) 911-200922
E-mail: Thabitma@africa-union.org; afraht@hotmail.com
Website : www.au.int
Follow us on @_AfricaUnion; www.au.int

November 14, 2013

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.

November 14, 2013

Senior Officials Joint Preparatory Meeting for the Third Africa-Arab Summit

Kuwait, 14th November 2013- The preparatory meetings for the Third Africa-Arab Summit was launched today, Thursday in the State of Kuwait with a meeting for senior officials to discuss the items included in the agenda of the Preparatory Meeting of the Foreign Affairs Ministers in preparation for the Summit. Decisions about these items will be submitted later to Arab and African leaders for adoption by the Summit, which will be held from 19 - 20 November 2013 at the Bayan Palace.

This Summit follows the Sirte Summit of 2010, which established the principle of organizing the regular holding of the Africa-Arab Summit every three years. The two partners were keen to focus on economy and development which is essential for meeting the expectations of the people of the two regions. Accordingly, the Third Summit's theme, "Partners in Development and Investment", was chosen to reflect those concerns.

The senior officials meeting will discuss the joint report of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, as well as the report and decision of the second meeting of the Arab and African Ministers of Agriculture on the development of agriculture and food security that took place in Riyadh on October 2nd, 2013; and the recommendations of Africa-Arab Economic Forum held in Kuwait on 11- 12 November 2013.

The meeting will also discuss a proposal pertaining to promoting African-Arab cooperation in trade, investment, transport, energy and immigration as well as an African-Arab funding mechanism for joint projects and activities. The senior officials meeting will also look into the proposal for reviving the Committee of Africa-Arab Partnership and review the assessment report of the performance of the African-Arab Cultural Institute.

At its conclusion, the Summit will adopt a declaration9 and resolutions to advance the achievement of the aims of the partnership.

Topic Resources

November 20, 2013

Third Africa-Arab Summit Resolutions

November 20, 2013

THIRD AFRICA-ARAB SUMMIT
19 - 20 NOVEMBER 2013
KUWAIT CITY, STATE OF KUWAIT

Min/Africa-Arab/Decl1(III) Rev.1
ق- 033 (13/11)21-س ع م ل (0607)

KUWAIT DECLARATION

We, the Leaders of African and Arab Countries, meeting in our Third Africa-Arab Summit in Kuwait City, the State of Kuwait, from 19 to 20 November 2013 under the Theme “Partners in Development and Investment”;

Expressing our gratitude to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, for all the efforts he exerted in order to ensure the successful convening of the Third Africa-Arab Summit, and Fully Believing that through His Highness well-known wisdom and genuine commitment, the Africa-Arab relations will achieve great progress in all fields;

Conveying our profound gratitude and appreciation to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait for his generous initiative, which demonstrates his commitment to the promotion of Africa-Arab cooperation in all fields, as evidenced by the directives given by His Highness to the Kuwaiti Fund for Arab Economic Development to grant concessionary loans to African countries to the tune of one (1) Billion US Dollars spread over the next five years. This initiative is also manifested through investment and its insurance to the tune of one (1) Billion US Dollars for the next few years, with emphasis on infrastructure, through cooperation and coordination with the World Bank and other International Institutions.

Also Expressing our sincere appreciation for the Annual Prize of one (1) Million US Dollars allocated by the State of Kuwait, in memory of the late Dr. Abdurahman Al-Sumet, for development research in Africa under the auspices of the Kuwait Scientific Development Institutions.

Expressing Further our profound gratitude to the Government and people of Kuwait for the warm welcome, generous hospitality, and efficient organization that provided most positive and favorable conditions for the convening of the Third Africa-Arab Summit;

Congratulating the African Union on the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU)/African Union (AU), and Welcoming the commemoration of this important milestone in African history;

Renewing our commitment to the common principles and goals enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union and the Charter of the League of Arab States, and the promotion of the principles of International Law and the United Nations Charter, in particular the principles pertaining to the respect for national sovereignty of States, their territorial integrity and non-interference in their internal affairs, and Stressing our commitment to the protection of human rights and respect for International Humanitarian Law as well as our mutual goals to positively contribute to global security stability, development and cooperation;

Reaffirming our commitment to strengthen cooperation between Africa and the Arab Region on the basis of a strategic partnership that endeavours to maintain justice, international peace and security, while Expressing grave concern over the challenges posed by the continued prevalence of conflict, insecurity and instability in some parts of our regions;

Conscious of our multiple ties and interests by reason of geography, history and culture;

Expressing our desire to promote cooperation in the political, economic and socio-cultural fields;

Reaffirming our commitment to continue our efforts to overcome the challenges and removing the obstacles facing the activation and development of Africa-Arab cooperation and organize the meetings of its follow-up mechanism;

Guided by our common resolve to strengthen South-South cooperation as well as the solidarity and friendship between our countries and peoples with a view to fulfilling the aspiration of our peoples to consolidate Africa-Arab relations, based on the principles of equality, mutual interests and respect;

Welcoming the progress made by African and Arab countries in maintaining peace and stability as well as in improving respect for human rights and good governance in their respective regions;

Recognizing the role of the African Union’s Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on the United Nations Reform in promoting and canvassing Africa’s position on the Reform in accordance with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration;

Welcoming the decision of the League of Arab States (LAS) Council at the level of the Summit to establish an Arab Court of Human Rights headquartered in Bahrain which is regarded as a support to the common Arab system in the field of Human Rights and enhancement, respect and protection for these rights in a frame of law prevailing in international accords, the principles of international law and International Bill of Human Rights;

Firmly condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, as well as transnational organized crime such as hostage taking, human trafficking, drug trafficking, piracy, ransom payment and illicit proliferation of arms, and Reiterating our resolve and commitment to work together in this regard;

Underlining the need for Africa and the Arab World to exchange intelligence information to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations; in this regard, Appreciating the instrumental role played by the African Centre for Research and Study on Terrorism (ACRST) in Algiers, Algeria;

Welcoming the donation of 100 million US dollars by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) to combat terrorism;

Stressing our strong determination to decisively address the underlying causes of conflict and violence in Africa and the Arab Region, with a view to creating a conducive environment for the prosperity and well-being of the peoples of the two regions;

Mindful that the youth employment challenges in Africa and Arab Region is primarily structural, and Recognizing the need to pursue efforts to develop supporting policies for economic growth, and adopt financial policies that can guarantee sustainability in order to enhance poverty eradication policies including Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Post 2015 Development Agenda;

Commending the Resolution of the 3rd Arab Development Summit held in Ryad, Saudi Arabia in January 2013 to raise by 50% the capital of the Arab Financial Institutions, including the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and appreciating the role of BADEA in the promotion of Africa’s Development;

Welcoming the support provided by the Arab Fund for Technical Assistance to African Countries (AFTAAC) to the Commission and its various regional offices such as the Semi-Arid Food Grain Research and Development (SAFGRAD);

Noting that the food gap and food insecurity are major impediments and exacerbate the vulnerability of certain segments of society;

Expressing our full support for regional integration through increasing the volume of Africa-Arab trade and investment, and deepening market integration that can significantly contribute to sustainable economic and integrated social development such as employment generation and poverty reduction, inflow of direct investment, industrial development and accelerated integration of the two regions into the global economy;

Underscoring the importance of the Africa-Arab Partnership Strategy and the Joint Action Plan 2011-2016 adopted during our Second Summit in 2010 in Libya and Reiterating our commitment to expedite their implementation;

Emphasizing the need to enhance the role and participation of the Private Sector and Civil society of our two regions in economic development, efforts as well as planning and implementation of joint programs and projects;

Have agreed to:

1. Promote South-South Cooperation between African and Arab countries and build closer relations between the Governments and peoples of the two regions through frequent visits and consultations at all levels;

2. Strengthen diplomatic and consular relations between African and Arab countries through regular consultations between diplomatic missions accredited to the United Nations (UN) and other regional and international organizations in, among others, Addis Ababa, Cairo, Brussels, Geneva, New York and Washington D.C, with a view to harmonizing positions and developing common policies on issues of mutual concern;

3. Urge all relevant stakeholders to find peaceful settlements to political crises in the two regions;

4. Support the progress made in peace building and post-conflict reconstruction and development in the two regions and encourage the countries concerned to pursue and consolidate their efforts, and Call upon the International Community and the International Financial Institutions to support these countries through the granting of debt relief as well as lifting of economic sanctions applied on some of them;

5. Enhance cooperation and coordination between African and Arab countries to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including criminalizing ransom payment to terrorists and confronting transnational crime to further support international efforts in this regard;

6. Strongly condemn terrorism and trafficking of all forms in Africa and in the Arab Region, particularly in the Sahelo-Saharan Region epitomized by the severe crisis in Mali, and Request Africa and the Arab Countries to support the implementation of the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel;

7. Reaffirm our strong commitment for a comprehensive Reform of the United Nations system, including its Security Council, to reflect current global realities and make it more regionally representative, balanced, democratic, effective and fair, and Call upon the two sides to coordinate their positions in this regard, taking into consideration the Ezulwini Consensus of the African Union (AU) and the relevant Resolutions of the League of Arab States (LAS);

8. Agree to create the necessary conditions to encourage and facilitate investment in African and Arab countries. Reaffirm further the need to increase the volume of trade and investment flows between the two regions, support the existing industrial development initiatives in order to reduce poverty and generate employment for our youthful population;

9. Enhance cooperation and facilitate investment in the field of energy aimed at jointly developing new and renewable energy sources as well as expanding access to reliable and affordable modern energy services in the two regions;

10. Call Upon the African Union Commission and the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States and the existing financing institutions from both regions to set up a task force to coordinate their efforts in the implementation of the Africa-Arab Joint Action Plan and other projects;

11. Coordinate our positions in the multilateral trade negotiations and work together with a view to achieving a balanced outcome at the 9th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference scheduled to be held in Bali, Indonesia, in December 2013, on potential deliverables in Trade Facilitation, Agriculture and an acceptable package for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) as well as special and Differential Treatment provisions in favour of developing countries;

12. Strengthen the Africa-Arab Economic Forum to enhance the role and participation of the Private Sector and Civil Society Organizations of the two regions in the partnership process;

13. Call Upon the African and Arab financial institutions as well as other relevant stakeholders, including the Private Sector and Civil Society to support the acceleration of Africa-Arab inter-regional trade in accordance with the Joint Action Plan 2011-2016;

14. Call Upon African and Arab Chambers of Commerce and Industry, as well as other private sector institutions to conduct regular meetings and consultations with a view to strengthening the working relations between them;

15. Welcome the hosting by the Kingdom of Morocco of the 7th Session of the Africa-Arab Trade Fair from 19 to 23 March 2014, and Support the organization of Africa-Arab Fair every two years alternately in Africa and Arab regions and undertake other trade promotion activities and encourage the public and private sector of the two regions to actively participate in the preparation and organization of such events;

16. Encourage the governments, private sector and civil society of the two regions to play a major role in boosting agriculture;

17. Strengthen cooperation on issues concerning Rural Development, Agricultural Development and Food Security. In that regard, Commend the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the successful hosting of the 2nd Africa-Arab Ministerial meeting on Agriculture and Food Security, held in Riyadh on 2 October 2013;

18. Call Upon the African Union Commission (AUC) and the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States (LAS) to work in collaboration with the African and Arab Financial Institutions and the Private Sector to support the implementation of the infrastructure development programs in both regions with a focus on transport, water and sanitation, telecommunications and ICT;

19. Support the cooperation programmes on cultural exchanges aimed at consolidating the common values of African and Arab peoples, and Welcome the opening of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue and invite Member States to cooperate with the Center;

20. Reaffirm the need to strengthen cooperation in the field of education and scientific research programmes and share best practices in these two fields through the organization of joint activities;

21. Agree to elaborate integrated health programmes within the development plans. In that regard, Reaffirm our commitment to ensure that vulnerable groups have access to primary and essential types of medicines and therefore support initiatives to integrate the policies combating epidemic diseases (malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS) and non communicable diseases in educational, information and public awareness programs;

22. Support strategies and initiatives aimed at the elimination of discrimination against women in order to achieve equality and equity and raise public awareness regarding the human rights, values and principles, which guarantee women's rights and their role in society;

23. Call Upon all governments to formulate the necessary laws to protect youth and women and enhance their economic empowerment, ensure their participation in the decision-making process on an equal footing with men, and guarantee their full participation in all aspects of political, economic and social activities;

24. Promote the interactions between the African and Arab civil society organization to enhance people-to-people relationship and Call Upon the African and Arab Civil Society to continue to play their positive role in promoting peace, security, stability and humanitarian assistance and development, and request the African Union Commission and the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States to take all necessary steps to enhance interaction with these actors;

25. Strengthen the capacities of the African Union Commission and the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States and provide them with all necessary means, including financial and technical support, to enable them to effectively implement the Africa-Arab Partnership Strategy and Joint Action Plan 2011-2016, as well as this Declaration;

26. Support the setting up of the Africa-Arab Technical and Coordination Committee and other strategies to enhance cooperation and facilitation on migration issues and coordinate efforts of both regions, for the mutual benefit of the two partners and Express the necessity to provide security and social protection for migrants and support countries receiving migrants, refugees and displaced persons, in particular Burkina Faso and the Republic of Yemen;

27. Agree to establish an Africa-Arab Center for exchange of information in order to minimize the infiltration of illegal migrants;

28. Rationalize the establishment of Africa-Arab joint institutions to avoid duplication of efforts and financial burden on the two coordinating organizations and mandate the Coordination Committee of the Africa-Arab Partnership to take necessary actions in this regard;

29. Take actions and measures, including the activation and rationalization of joint structures, deemed essential for the effective implementation of the Action Plan;

30. Institutionalize meetings of the Monitoring and Follow-up Mechanism of the Africa-Arab Partnership and strengthen inter-secretariat consultations and involve the Sub-regional organizations to participate in implementation of this partnership;

31. Apply the principle of rotation in hosting Africa-Arab Summits and therefore, Agree to hold the Fourth Africa-Arab Summit in Africa in 2016.

Done in Kuwait City on 20 November 2013

November 13, 2013

Promotion of Livestock Industry for Food Security in Africa and Arab Regions

Presented by: Hassane Mahamat Hassane,
AU-PATTEC Coordination Office,
African Union Commission

November 13, 2013

Arab-Africa Economic Cooperation Forum: Recommendations

November 20, 2013

Third Africa-Arab Summit Resolutions

November 20, 2013

THIRD AFRICA-ARAB SUMMIT
19 - 20 NOVEMBER 2013
KUWAIT CITY, STATE OF KUWAIT

Min/Africa-Arab/Decl1(III) Rev.1
ق- 033 (13/11)21-س ع م ل (0607)

KUWAIT DECLARATION

We, the Leaders of African and Arab Countries, meeting in our Third Africa-Arab Summit in Kuwait City, the State of Kuwait, from 19 to 20 November 2013 under the Theme “Partners in Development and Investment”;

Expressing our gratitude to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, for all the efforts he exerted in order to ensure the successful convening of the Third Africa-Arab Summit, and Fully Believing that through His Highness well-known wisdom and genuine commitment, the Africa-Arab relations will achieve great progress in all fields;

Conveying our profound gratitude and appreciation to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait for his generous initiative, which demonstrates his commitment to the promotion of Africa-Arab cooperation in all fields, as evidenced by the directives given by His Highness to the Kuwaiti Fund for Arab Economic Development to grant concessionary loans to African countries to the tune of one (1) Billion US Dollars spread over the next five years. This initiative is also manifested through investment and its insurance to the tune of one (1) Billion US Dollars for the next few years, with emphasis on infrastructure, through cooperation and coordination with the World Bank and other International Institutions.

Also Expressing our sincere appreciation for the Annual Prize of one (1) Million US Dollars allocated by the State of Kuwait, in memory of the late Dr. Abdurahman Al-Sumet, for development research in Africa under the auspices of the Kuwait Scientific Development Institutions.

Expressing Further our profound gratitude to the Government and people of Kuwait for the warm welcome, generous hospitality, and efficient organization that provided most positive and favorable conditions for the convening of the Third Africa-Arab Summit;

Congratulating the African Union on the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU)/African Union (AU), and Welcoming the commemoration of this important milestone in African history;

Renewing our commitment to the common principles and goals enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union and the Charter of the League of Arab States, and the promotion of the principles of International Law and the United Nations Charter, in particular the principles pertaining to the respect for national sovereignty of States, their territorial integrity and non-interference in their internal affairs, and Stressing our commitment to the protection of human rights and respect for International Humanitarian Law as well as our mutual goals to positively contribute to global security stability, development and cooperation;

Reaffirming our commitment to strengthen cooperation between Africa and the Arab Region on the basis of a strategic partnership that endeavours to maintain justice, international peace and security, while Expressing grave concern over the challenges posed by the continued prevalence of conflict, insecurity and instability in some parts of our regions;

Conscious of our multiple ties and interests by reason of geography, history and culture;

Expressing our desire to promote cooperation in the political, economic and socio-cultural fields;

Reaffirming our commitment to continue our efforts to overcome the challenges and removing the obstacles facing the activation and development of Africa-Arab cooperation and organize the meetings of its follow-up mechanism;

Guided by our common resolve to strengthen South-South cooperation as well as the solidarity and friendship between our countries and peoples with a view to fulfilling the aspiration of our peoples to consolidate Africa-Arab relations, based on the principles of equality, mutual interests and respect;

Welcoming the progress made by African and Arab countries in maintaining peace and stability as well as in improving respect for human rights and good governance in their respective regions;

Recognizing the role of the African Union’s Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on the United Nations Reform in promoting and canvassing Africa’s position on the Reform in accordance with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration;

Welcoming the decision of the League of Arab States (LAS) Council at the level of the Summit to establish an Arab Court of Human Rights headquartered in Bahrain which is regarded as a support to the common Arab system in the field of Human Rights and enhancement, respect and protection for these rights in a frame of law prevailing in international accords, the principles of international law and International Bill of Human Rights;

Firmly condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, as well as transnational organized crime such as hostage taking, human trafficking, drug trafficking, piracy, ransom payment and illicit proliferation of arms, and Reiterating our resolve and commitment to work together in this regard;

Underlining the need for Africa and the Arab World to exchange intelligence information to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations; in this regard, Appreciating the instrumental role played by the African Centre for Research and Study on Terrorism (ACRST) in Algiers, Algeria;

Welcoming the donation of 100 million US dollars by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) to combat terrorism;

Stressing our strong determination to decisively address the underlying causes of conflict and violence in Africa and the Arab Region, with a view to creating a conducive environment for the prosperity and well-being of the peoples of the two regions;

Mindful that the youth employment challenges in Africa and Arab Region is primarily structural, and Recognizing the need to pursue efforts to develop supporting policies for economic growth, and adopt financial policies that can guarantee sustainability in order to enhance poverty eradication policies including Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Post 2015 Development Agenda;

Commending the Resolution of the 3rd Arab Development Summit held in Ryad, Saudi Arabia in January 2013 to raise by 50% the capital of the Arab Financial Institutions, including the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and appreciating the role of BADEA in the promotion of Africa’s Development;

Welcoming the support provided by the Arab Fund for Technical Assistance to African Countries (AFTAAC) to the Commission and its various regional offices such as the Semi-Arid Food Grain Research and Development (SAFGRAD);

Noting that the food gap and food insecurity are major impediments and exacerbate the vulnerability of certain segments of society;

Expressing our full support for regional integration through increasing the volume of Africa-Arab trade and investment, and deepening market integration that can significantly contribute to sustainable economic and integrated social development such as employment generation and poverty reduction, inflow of direct investment, industrial development and accelerated integration of the two regions into the global economy;

Underscoring the importance of the Africa-Arab Partnership Strategy and the Joint Action Plan 2011-2016 adopted during our Second Summit in 2010 in Libya and Reiterating our commitment to expedite their implementation;

Emphasizing the need to enhance the role and participation of the Private Sector and Civil society of our two regions in economic development, efforts as well as planning and implementation of joint programs and projects;

Have agreed to:

1. Promote South-South Cooperation between African and Arab countries and build closer relations between the Governments and peoples of the two regions through frequent visits and consultations at all levels;

2. Strengthen diplomatic and consular relations between African and Arab countries through regular consultations between diplomatic missions accredited to the United Nations (UN) and other regional and international organizations in, among others, Addis Ababa, Cairo, Brussels, Geneva, New York and Washington D.C, with a view to harmonizing positions and developing common policies on issues of mutual concern;

3. Urge all relevant stakeholders to find peaceful settlements to political crises in the two regions;

4. Support the progress made in peace building and post-conflict reconstruction and development in the two regions and encourage the countries concerned to pursue and consolidate their efforts, and Call upon the International Community and the International Financial Institutions to support these countries through the granting of debt relief as well as lifting of economic sanctions applied on some of them;

5. Enhance cooperation and coordination between African and Arab countries to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including criminalizing ransom payment to terrorists and confronting transnational crime to further support international efforts in this regard;

6. Strongly condemn terrorism and trafficking of all forms in Africa and in the Arab Region, particularly in the Sahelo-Saharan Region epitomized by the severe crisis in Mali, and Request Africa and the Arab Countries to support the implementation of the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel;

7. Reaffirm our strong commitment for a comprehensive Reform of the United Nations system, including its Security Council, to reflect current global realities and make it more regionally representative, balanced, democratic, effective and fair, and Call upon the two sides to coordinate their positions in this regard, taking into consideration the Ezulwini Consensus of the African Union (AU) and the relevant Resolutions of the League of Arab States (LAS);

8. Agree to create the necessary conditions to encourage and facilitate investment in African and Arab countries. Reaffirm further the need to increase the volume of trade and investment flows between the two regions, support the existing industrial development initiatives in order to reduce poverty and generate employment for our youthful population;

9. Enhance cooperation and facilitate investment in the field of energy aimed at jointly developing new and renewable energy sources as well as expanding access to reliable and affordable modern energy services in the two regions;

10. Call Upon the African Union Commission and the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States and the existing financing institutions from both regions to set up a task force to coordinate their efforts in the implementation of the Africa-Arab Joint Action Plan and other projects;

11. Coordinate our positions in the multilateral trade negotiations and work together with a view to achieving a balanced outcome at the 9th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference scheduled to be held in Bali, Indonesia, in December 2013, on potential deliverables in Trade Facilitation, Agriculture and an acceptable package for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) as well as special and Differential Treatment provisions in favour of developing countries;

12. Strengthen the Africa-Arab Economic Forum to enhance the role and participation of the Private Sector and Civil Society Organizations of the two regions in the partnership process;

13. Call Upon the African and Arab financial institutions as well as other relevant stakeholders, including the Private Sector and Civil Society to support the acceleration of Africa-Arab inter-regional trade in accordance with the Joint Action Plan 2011-2016;

14. Call Upon African and Arab Chambers of Commerce and Industry, as well as other private sector institutions to conduct regular meetings and consultations with a view to strengthening the working relations between them;

15. Welcome the hosting by the Kingdom of Morocco of the 7th Session of the Africa-Arab Trade Fair from 19 to 23 March 2014, and Support the organization of Africa-Arab Fair every two years alternately in Africa and Arab regions and undertake other trade promotion activities and encourage the public and private sector of the two regions to actively participate in the preparation and organization of such events;

16. Encourage the governments, private sector and civil society of the two regions to play a major role in boosting agriculture;

17. Strengthen cooperation on issues concerning Rural Development, Agricultural Development and Food Security. In that regard, Commend the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the successful hosting of the 2nd Africa-Arab Ministerial meeting on Agriculture and Food Security, held in Riyadh on 2 October 2013;

18. Call Upon the African Union Commission (AUC) and the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States (LAS) to work in collaboration with the African and Arab Financial Institutions and the Private Sector to support the implementation of the infrastructure development programs in both regions with a focus on transport, water and sanitation, telecommunications and ICT;

19. Support the cooperation programmes on cultural exchanges aimed at consolidating the common values of African and Arab peoples, and Welcome the opening of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue and invite Member States to cooperate with the Center;

20. Reaffirm the need to strengthen cooperation in the field of education and scientific research programmes and share best practices in these two fields through the organization of joint activities;

21. Agree to elaborate integrated health programmes within the development plans. In that regard, Reaffirm our commitment to ensure that vulnerable groups have access to primary and essential types of medicines and therefore support initiatives to integrate the policies combating epidemic diseases (malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS) and non communicable diseases in educational, information and public awareness programs;

22. Support strategies and initiatives aimed at the elimination of discrimination against women in order to achieve equality and equity and raise public awareness regarding the human rights, values and principles, which guarantee women's rights and their role in society;

23. Call Upon all governments to formulate the necessary laws to protect youth and women and enhance their economic empowerment, ensure their participation in the decision-making process on an equal footing with men, and guarantee their full participation in all aspects of political, economic and social activities;

24. Promote the interactions between the African and Arab civil society organization to enhance people-to-people relationship and Call Upon the African and Arab Civil Society to continue to play their positive role in promoting peace, security, stability and humanitarian assistance and development, and request the African Union Commission and the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States to take all necessary steps to enhance interaction with these actors;

25. Strengthen the capacities of the African Union Commission and the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States and provide them with all necessary means, including financial and technical support, to enable them to effectively implement the Africa-Arab Partnership Strategy and Joint Action Plan 2011-2016, as well as this Declaration;

26. Support the setting up of the Africa-Arab Technical and Coordination Committee and other strategies to enhance cooperation and facilitation on migration issues and coordinate efforts of both regions, for the mutual benefit of the two partners and Express the necessity to provide security and social protection for migrants and support countries receiving migrants, refugees and displaced persons, in particular Burkina Faso and the Republic of Yemen;

27. Agree to establish an Africa-Arab Center for exchange of information in order to minimize the infiltration of illegal migrants;

28. Rationalize the establishment of Africa-Arab joint institutions to avoid duplication of efforts and financial burden on the two coordinating organizations and mandate the Coordination Committee of the Africa-Arab Partnership to take necessary actions in this regard;

29. Take actions and measures, including the activation and rationalization of joint structures, deemed essential for the effective implementation of the Action Plan;

30. Institutionalize meetings of the Monitoring and Follow-up Mechanism of the Africa-Arab Partnership and strengthen inter-secretariat consultations and involve the Sub-regional organizations to participate in implementation of this partnership;

31. Apply the principle of rotation in hosting Africa-Arab Summits and therefore, Agree to hold the Fourth Africa-Arab Summit in Africa in 2016.

Done in Kuwait City on 20 November 2013

November 13, 2013

Promotion of Livestock Industry for Food Security in Africa and Arab Regions

Presented by: Hassane Mahamat Hassane,
AU-PATTEC Coordination Office,
African Union Commission

November 13, 2013

Arab-Africa Economic Cooperation Forum: Recommendations