15 August 2007
Deputy Foreign Minister Sue van der Merwe will present the opening address
at the workshop to prepare for the EuropeâAfrica Political Dialogue.
The workshop will also deliberate on the newly unveiled joint AfricaâEurope
Strategy, the purpose of which is to take the Africa-European Union (EU)
partnership to a new strategic level with a strengthened political partnership
and enhanced cooperation at all levels.
The African Union-European Union (AU-EU) partnership will be guided by the
fundamental principles of:
* the unity of Africa
* the interdependence between Africa and Europe
* ownership and joint responsibilities
* respect for human rights.
The main objectives of the joint strategy is to:
* reinforce and elevate AU-EU political partnerships
* promote peace, security, sustainable development, human rights
* jointly promote a system of effective multilateralism and legitimate
multilateral institutions, and the reform of the United Nations system
* facilitate and promote people-centred partnership and empower non-state
actors to play an active role in development.
This new AU-EU partnership will take concrete action in these inter-related
areas: peace and security, governance and human rights, and trade and regional
integration.
This strategic partnership will involve and be implemented by institutional
and non-institutional actors in Africa and the EU.
Media are invited as follows:
Date: Thursday, 16 August 2007
Time: 09h00 for 10h00
Venue: Diplomatic Guesthouse, 201 Matroosberg Road, Waterkloof Heights,
Pretoria East
(Please present press cards)
Enquiries or RSVPs:
Manusha Pillai
Cell: 082 389 3587
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
15 August 2007
