Luanda: Angolan President and Chair of the African Union, Joo Louren§o, emphasized the need for a stronger African presence in global decision-making processes during the opening of the 7th African Union-European Union Summit. Addressing heads of state, institutional leaders, and delegations from Africa and Europe, President Louren§o highlighted the significance of deepening relations between the two continents.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the President reiterated that the African Union has established clear priorities to guide continental development. These priorities focus on consolidating peace, stability, and security, which he deemed necessary to accelerate economic integration, empower women and young people, and advance climate resilience and the energy transition. However, President Louren§o stressed that these objectives cannot be fully realized without Africa's voice being effectively heard in global governance, advocating for a stronger role for the continent in the reform of major international institutions.
In his address, President Louren§o drew attention to the growing complexity of global challenges, such as food, energy, humanitarian, and health crises, which have exacerbated migratory flows and unemployment. To tackle these issues, he called for a continuous deepening of Africa-Europe relations, aiming for mutual benefits. He highlighted that Luanda, as the summit's host, represents a 'tribune of hope' to enhance dialogue between the continents.
President Louren§o noted the special significance of Luanda hosting the event in the year Angola marks its 50th anniversary of independence. He expressed joy at the attendance of dignitaries and thanked both parties for their commitment to the summit, describing it as 'a compass and a bridge' for future cooperation between the African Union and the European Union.
