PRESS RELEASE Nº253/2013

AUC Deputy Chairperson Erastus Mwencha met with Mr. Ivan Mrkic, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia

Belgrade, Serbia, 17 December 2013 – H.E. Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Tuesday 17 December 2013, in Belgrade Serbia, met with H.E. Ivan Mrkic, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia.

The meeting held discussions on a wide range of issues of international concern to both parties and examined the opportunities for cooperation, highlighting the willingness of both sides to promote and strengthen the partnership in the area of the technology transfer, education, infrastructure and energy, agriculture, and peace and security. A Memorandum of Understanding will be drafted and signed in the near future and will identify the areas of cooperation and modalities.

During a joint press conference that followed the meeting, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission informed the members of the press that his visit to Serbia coincides with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the OAUAU, recalling that during the celebrations in May this year, the President of the Republic of Serbia, H. E Tomislav Nikolic was amongst the ten heads of stated who were invited to attend as AU Guests of Honor.

He indicated that his visit was intended to reignite the long-standing bond of friendship between African countries and Serbia, and to also explore areas where the two partners can constructively engage to help improve the lives of their peoples. “In the last two days we have held meetings with the president and other top officials of the government and have also met with key business sectors in a bid to identify areas of mutual interest and cooperation”, added the Deputy Chairperson noting that the meetings have been very successful and as a result, the two sides have agreed to establish a joint committee to work out a memorandum of cooperation.

The areas of cooperation we have identified include education; science and technology; Peace and security; Infrastructure and Energy; Health and Agriculture, said H.E. Erastus Mwencha, adding that the two partners are also looking forward in the near future to the exchange of visits by the business communities between Serbia and Africa to further explore the huge potential for collaboration that exists for Africa and Serbia.

Regarding the reform of the United Nations in order for it to better respond to the conditions of the 21st century, the two parties agreed to work together, along with other stakeholders, to help transform the UN and bring greater equity in global representation. Serbia, in particular, reiterated its position to support Africa to gain a permanent seat at the Security Council.

“The visit was short but very fruitful and provided the basis for a true and strategic partnership to cement the historical ties”, concluded the African Union Commission’s Deputy Chairperson.

For further information contact
Mrs. Habiba Mejri-Cheikh, Director of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: habibaM@africa-union.org | mejri-cheikh.habiba@hotmail.com I Web www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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