Media Statement
05 July 2017
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane concludes successful visit to Addis Ababa
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has concluded her visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where - in her capacity as Special Representative of President Jacob Zuma - she led the South African delegation to the 29th Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union. The Summit was held under the theme: “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in the Youth”.
The Summit deliberated on a number of issues pertinent to the continent, paying particular attention on the AU's aspirations as outlined in Agenda 2063. Amongst other things, the Summit discussed the report on institutional reforms of the AU, presented by President Paul Kagame of Rwanda; the state of peace and security on the continent, elected new commissioners for Human Resources, Science and Technology (Ms Sarah Mbi Enow Anyang Agbor of Cameroon) and Economic Affairs (Mr Victor Harison from Madagascar).
On the state of peace and security on the continent, the Summit considered the report of the AU Peace and Security Council for the period January to June 2017. The Summit reiterated its commitment to bring lasting peace and stability to the continent, particularly in counties such as Libya, South Sudan, Sudan (Darfur), Somalia and Western Sahara.
The report on institutional reforms of the AU and its organs was presented in January 2017. In this Summit, the deliberations focused on implementation. The Summit stressed the importance of capacitating the AU and its organs financially and in relation to human capital whilst at the same time improving its working methods and procedures.
At the conclusion of the Summit, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane paid a courtesy call on the Chair of the AU Commission, His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat. From Addis Ababa, the Minister travelled to Hamburg, Germany, where she is joining President Zuma's delegation to the G20 Summit.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
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