Major General Kenneth Ekman, Director of Strategy, Engagement and Programs of the United States Africa Command,

H.E. Amb. Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment,

US Chargé d ’Affairs to AU, H.E. Mr. Mikael Cleverly,

Mr. Kingston Reif, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Threat Reduction and Arms Control of the United States,

Dr. Robert Pope, Director of Cooperative Threat Reduction of the United States,

Excellencies, Ambassadors,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an important day for Veterinary Science and Livestock owners in Africa, as we are embarking-on the construction of the New Laboratory Complex of the African Union Pan African Veterinary Vaccine Centre (AU-PANVAC).

Today's laying of the foundation stone for the construction of the New Laboratory Complex of AU-PANVAC with the support of the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency marks an important milestone. This is an expression

of the shared commitment by the African Union and the United States of America to addressing common challenges in controlling animal diseases for sustainable livestock production for food security and nutrition and

poverty reduction in Africa and beyond.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the substantial support received by AU-PANVAC over the years from the

Defence Threat Reduction Agency for capacity building in biosecurity and biosafety, and the architectural design of the new laboratory complex.

This partnership between the AU and the US government represents an innovative and transformative collaboration that can yield significant benefits across various fields. Sustaining and strengthening this partnership is

essential for fostering mutual development, addressing common challenges, and promoting shared goals.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

I am convinced that the ultra-modern architecture of PANVAC's future laboratory complex will enable it to strengthen its position as a centre of excellence for research, development, and technology transfer for the production

of veterinary vaccines in Africa to protect the livestock on which so many of our communities depend. Our vision goes beyond the walls of the laboratory. The AU-PANVAC will serve as a platform for collaboration, bringing

together experts, researchers and policymakers from across the continent. By sharing knowledge and expertise, we aim to address the unique veterinary challenges faced by different regions, promoting a Pan-African

approach to disease prevention and control to achieve our Agenda 2063 for the “Africa we want”.

Together, let us continue our journey to ensure good quality vaccines to control animal diseases and ensure public health in Africa as we build a resilient ecosystem and a healthier future for our Continent.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Before I conclude, let me take this opportunity to commend the Government of Ethiopia for its dedication to the provision of the land for this new facility, the unwavering support provided to AU-PANVAC, and the close

collaboration between AU-PANVAC and the National Veterinary Institute of Ethiopia.

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all those who have contributed to making this project a reality:

I Congratulate H.E. Ambassador Josefa Sacko, for her Leadership as Commissioner of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable of the AUC and the Entire Team of AU-PANVAC as visionary minds

behind this project.

To our esteemed partners U.S. Defence Threat Reduction Agency and Sandia National Laboratories, your support is invaluable. Your commitment to the Pan African Veterinary Vaccine Centre demonstrates a shared belief i

n the importance of collaboration and innovation to tackle the complex challenges facing our continent. With the event today, let us envision not just a physical structure but a symbol of hope, a testament to our collective

determination to elevate veterinary science in Africa.

I would like also to commend and recognize the committed efforts of the African Union Technical Offices (AU-PANVAC and AU-IBAR) and international partners (such as the United Nations Food and Agriculture

Organisation, the World Animal Health Organisation, The International Atomic Energy Agency, the European Union, the Gates Foundation and the Global Alliance for Veterinary Medicine) for the control and eradication of

animal diseases for the sustainable development of agriculture and livestock sectors in Africa.

Thank you all for your continued support and collaboration with the African Union Commission and its specialized technical offices. Thank you.