Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 6 October 2016: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has received the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassadors of France and Romania to Ethiopia and the African Union (AU). The newly appointed Ambassadors presented their credentials at the AU Headquarters, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Wednesday, 6 October 2016.

France

Ambassador Frederic Bontems of France expressed his delight to have been appointed to the position, having worked for ten years in different capacities in Africa. He recognised the increasingly important role played by the AU, and pledged to lend his support to the AU in dealing with the issues of common interest. He also promised to support the strengthening of relationship between the AU and France, as well as between the AU and the European Union.

The AU Commission Chairperson expressed her readiness to work with the newly appointed Ambassador to further strengthen the relationship between France and the AU. She noted that Africa and France have common challenges in certain areas, and would throw her support in dealing with these.

They also briefly discussed the progress made in climate change, as well as the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Libya.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma wished Amb. Bontems a constructive and fruitful tour of duty.

 Romania

H.E. Mr. Marius Nicolescu of Romania informed the Chairperson that he was returning to the same position for the second time with great pleasure. He said that he has witnessed a tremendous transformation of the AU Commission and commended the Chairperson for her leadership. He emphasized that Romania was very pleased to support Africa’s Agenda 2063 through the provision of training and human resource capacity building, particularly to youth and women in several areas including vocational training, research, logistics for border surveillance and others.

The AU Commission Chairperson welcomed and congratulated him on his re-appointment, and expressed Africa’s keen interest to work with Romania in the areas highlighted. She noted that training and skills’ development across all areas is very critical to the implementation and success of Agenda 2063.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma wished Amb. Marius Nicolescu successful tour of duty to Ethiopia and the AU.

JEE/

 For further information contact

Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dic@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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