Brussels: The Angolan president and chairperson of the African Union, Joo Louren§o, arrived in Brussels, Belgium, to participate in the second edition of the Global Gateway Forum, which begins on Thursday. Upon arriving at Brussels International Airport, the head of state was welcomed by the Angolan ambassador to Belgium, Edgar Gaspar Martins, as well as members of the executive branch who are part of the presidential delegation.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the opening session of the forum will feature a speech by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. This will be followed by remarks from the invited heads of state and government, with President Joo Louren§o speaking on behalf of the African Union. Sponsored by the European Union, the forum aims to strengthen sustainable and resilient global connectivity amidst geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges.
The summit will gather world leaders, international financial institutions, and representatives from the private sector and civil society to focus on increasing investment in partner countries, including Angola. Building on the success of the inaugural edition in 2023, this year's forum seeks to enhance global strategic partnerships in energy, transportation, digital connectivity, health, education, and scientific research within the framework of the European Global Gateway Strategy.
The initiative aims to mobilize up to 300 billion euros in sustainable investments by 2027, reinforcing Europe's commitment to inclusive development and international cooperation. The Global Gateway strategy is the European Union's response to the need for clean, smart, and safe infrastructure, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement commitments. It emerges as a balanced, multilateral alternative to unilateral investment approaches, consolidating the European Union's role as a trusted partner for sustainable and inclusive growth, particularly on the African continent.
