ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, April 6, 2016/APO (African Press Organization)/ —
INVITATION TO THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA
WHAT: Press Conference in relation to the 8th College-to-College meeting between the African Union Commission and the European Commission, 7 April 2016 Addis-Ababa
WHO H.E Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), and Mrs. Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the Commission
WHEN: Thursday, 7thApril 2016.
TIME: 12:30 PM
WHERE: African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Medium Conference Room)
OBJECTIVES: The objective of the Press Conference is to highlight this year’s College-to-College meeting focusing on current shared challenges facing both continents, along with the 5 priority areas of the 2014-2017 Roadmap: (i) peace and security; (ii) democracy, good governance and human rights; (iii) human development; (iv) sustainable and inclusive development and growth and continental integration; (v) global and emerging issues.
WHY: The meeting aims in particular to further address stability challenges and the root causes of irregular migration and displaced persons in Africa. It will also identify opportunities for mutual benefits towards sustainable and inclusive development. In addition, the meeting will look ahead to the next Africa-EU Summit, which is to take place in 2017 in Africa.
PARTICIPANTS: AU Commissioners and staff; EU Commissioners and staff; members of the Diplomatic Corps based in Addis Ababa, and invited guests.
BACKGROUND: College-to-College meetings between the European Commission and the African Union Commission (AUC) are the most important annual meeting held since 2008 to provide momentum to the Africa-EU Partnership. They bring together the two Commissions for political and policy dialogue to provide oversight and strategic guidance for the partnership going forward. The meetings are held on an alternating basis in Brussels and Addis Ababa.
The 4th Africa-EU Summit of April 2014 reaffirmed a commitment of the 2007 Joint Africa-EU Strategy and the ambition to deepen political dialogue and cooperation.
