Luanda: The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and the European Parliament (EP) have adopted a joint declaration aimed at strengthening the partnership between the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU). This milestone was announced during a press conference in Luanda on the sidelines of the 7th AU-EU Summit.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the President of the PAP, Fortune Zephania Charumbira, highlighted that this is the first time both parliaments have held a large-scale joint press conference. This event underscores the role of parliamentary institutions in overseeing and implementing commitments made by the two blocs. Charumbira emphasized the importance of ensuring historical justice and equity in post-colonial relations, reiterating the need to work as equals with Europe for mutual development.
During the conference, Charumbira addressed critical peace and security issues, including conflicts in Rwanda/Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, the Sahel, and Palestine. He also stressed the importance of dialogue for the peaceful resolution of the war between Russia and Ukraine. The commitment to inclusive solutions, transparent funding for peace initiatives, and citizen engagement in monitoring international policies was also reinforced.
Charumbira further highlighted the necessity of strategic investments in Africa's economic development, focusing on industrialization, processing of critical minerals, job creation, and private sector support. He emphasized the need to transform African resources into local value to generate jobs and sustainable development.
The joint declaration also reaffirmed the parliaments' commitment to parliamentary diplomacy, multilateralism, and international cooperation. Both parliaments will actively monitor the implementation of the summit's outcomes.
European Parliament Vice-President Younous Omarjee stated that no lasting policy can be implemented without the full engagement of parliamentary institutions. He recalled the recent interparliamentary session in South Africa, which aimed to consolidate collaboration between the institutions. Omarjee emphasized that cooperation is essential for developing joint policies and legislative efficiency, as laws adopted on one continent can impact the other.
Omarjee also highlighted the importance of the EP supporting the PAP, suggesting that European integration experiences can serve as a reference for African initiatives. He stressed the intrinsic link between the futures of Europe and Africa, particularly in light of projected African population growth and the need for balanced and supportive trade.
