Addis Ababa, October 23rd 2012 - A training workshop on commercial diplomacy, led by Maria-Alejandra Aristeguieta from the United Nations Training Institute (UNITAR), was held at the Commission of the African Union from 17 to 19 October 2012. This training in French was organized at the initiative of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). It brought together senior staff of the AUC and diplomats of Francophone African missions in Addis Ababa around a theme chosen to echo that of the AU Summits in 2012 on boosting intra-African trade.

After reviewing the different concepts such as global governance and trade governance and the functioning of key institutions in this area, participants were involved in simulation activities of negotiation. Taking this opportunity, the Commission intervened to present its work and efforts towards a better regional integration of commercial activities. On its part, the OIF also presented the current status of negotiations and persistent blockages in the WTO, focusing on the work done by Francophonie to better take into account the interests of its member states, particularly in Africa.

This training cycle on diplomatic issues has been ongoing for several years thanks to a partnership with OIF and UNITAR. As the Permanent Representative of OIF in Addis Ababa, Ambassador Libère Bararunyeretse, indicated, these moments dedicated to exchange in French on topics of common interest between the Commission staff and their colleagues from diplomatic missions are of great importance. He concluded the closing ceremony by inviting participants to maintain contact and to work for the respect of multilingualism in international institutions. The participants expressed their appreciation for the training and their desire to continue consultations on such rich topics.