the Political and Economic Integration of Africa
7 May 2007
Durban: South African Foreign Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma today,
Monday 7 May 2007, began receiving the 52 African Foreign Ministers at the
Zimbali Lodge, Durban for the scheduled African Union (AU) Foreign Ministers
Retreat and Executive Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 8 May 2007 to
Thursday, 10 May 2007.
The African Union Foreign Ministers' Retreat and Executive Council meeting
take place against the background of preparations for the forthcoming AU Summit
of Heads of State and Government scheduled for Accra, Ghana in July this
year.
The African Union Foreign Ministers are expected to deliberate upon and make
recommendations to the Summit of the AU Heads of State and Government on
proposals for the political and economic integration of the continent of
Africa, dubbed the Grand Debate.
In this regard, Minister Dlamini Zuma said "the matter of the political and
economic integration of Africa is a long standing issue and a historic debate
that will not end until we reach this destiny.
"This was a hotly debated issue during the founding conference of the OAU in
Addis Ababa. Eventually it was decided by the founding fathers to form the OAU
mainly to unite the African continent, build solidarity among Africans and free
Africa of the yoke of colonialism. The debate has nonetheless continued
throughout the history of our continent as evidenced by the various speeches,
writings and debates.
"Today, no one disputes the need for a United Africa in whatever form. We
all agree this remains our objective. Indeed the matter of political and
economic integration of Africa, how we can strengthen this integration and
unity will be discussed in Ghana" said Minister Dlamini Zuma.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
7 May 2007
