Tripoli, Libya: President Jacob G Zuma today, 30 November 2010, completed his two-day participation in the third Africa-European Union (EU) Summit. President Zuma and delegation’s participation reaffirms the Republic of South Africa’s commitment to developing mutually beneficial relationships with our partners in the developed countries of the North and with the countries on our continent as outlined by our national and foreign policy interests.
The fostering of these partnerships is to ensure a combined effort in defeating the ills of poverty and underdevelopment, particularly in relation to the Republic of South Africa and our continent as a whole.
The two-day Summit, convened under the overarching theme of "Investment, Economic Growth and Job Creation", saw Heads of States, governments and officials concentrate on issues related to peace and security, climate change, regional integration and private sector development, infrastructure and energy, agriculture and food security, and migration. President Zuma addressed the delegates during the third Summit on the sub-theme on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on Agriculture and Food Security.
President Zuma stated that “the bread and butter of African people is the rural economy. The vast majority of the African People works and lives in rural areas and the burden of most rural households lie on the shoulders of women. Despite the fact that Africa has abundant arable land and human resources that could potentially be translated into increased production, income and food security, our continent remains a region with the highest proportion of people who suffer from hunger, including the largest population of people living below the poverty line.
To this end, and within the framework of New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), Africa has since developed the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) we should emphasise that as South Africa we take seriously the theme of this Summit. This theme is linked directly to the priorities we have set for ourselves. Our people both in Africa and Europe look up to us for this partnership to grow our economies and create decent jobs. We as Africa recognise that Europe is important to us. But the question we should like to leave you with is: how important is Africa to Europe?”
President Zuma and delegation is expected to arrive in South Africa on Wednesday, 1 December 2010.
For further information please contact:
Mr Saul Kgomotso Molobi
Cell: 082 940 1647
Tel: 012 351 0083
E-mail: molobisk@dirco.gov.za
Mr Zizi Kodwa
Cell: 082 330 4910
