African Foreign Ministers Arrive in Durban for the Debate on the Political and Economic Integration of Africa

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 AU Foreign Ministers Retreat and Executive Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday-Thursday 8-10 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.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 0829904853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
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7 May 2007