President Jacob Zuma returns from the 22nd African Union Summit
President Jacob Zuma last evening, 1 February 2014, returned to South Africa from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he was on a working visit to attend the 22nd Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government, which happened on 30-31 January 2014.
The theme of the Summit was "2014 - Year of Agriculture and Food Security in Africa, Marking the 10th Anniversary of Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme".
"Africa feels that we have a lot to do on our own to produce more food - jointly, but there still is a land issue to resolve as land is necessary for food production. All of us on the continent agree that we need to do more, but there is significant progress," President Zuma said.
During the Summit the President presented South Africa's progress report to of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Forum of Heads of State and Government. The report, which was received well by the Summit, shows that South Africa has in the past decade progressed extensively in many aspects, including economic development, social security, health, governance and infrastructure development.
The Summit also adopted the resolution for the speedy operationalisation of the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises.
“As South Africa we welcome the move, as we have been playing a significant role in peacekeeping on the continent,” President Zuma said.
Amongst the major issues of focus, the Summit deliberated on Agenda 2063, a vision of a peaceful, prosperous and united Africa in the next 50 years of the existence of the AU; the post-2015 Development Agenda, focussing on a common African position; the state of peace and security in Africa; the African Peer Review Mechanism; and Africa's relationship with the International Criminal Court (ICC).
President Zuma was accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane; State Security, Dr Siyabonga Cwele; Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Nosiviwe Papisa-Nqakula; Public Service and Administration, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu; Public Entreprises, Mr Malusi Gigaba; and the Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration, Ms Ayanda Dlodlo.
Enquiries:
Mac Maharaj
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E-mail: macmaharaj@icloud.com
