ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 25, 2016/APO (African Press Organization)/ —
The three day meeting of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) of the African Union ended on Saturday 23rd January, 2016 at the African Union Commission (AUC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The PRC members adopted their report that will be submitted and further examined by the Executive Council scheduled on the 27-28 January, 2016.
H.E Dr. Anthony Mothae Maruping, Commissioner for Economic Affairs, representing the African Union Commission in his remarks thanked the PRC members for their continued devotion and commitment to discuss all key issues of the commission in the quest to make a better Union that can contribute to Africa’s greater development. Commissioner Maruping also acknowledged the work of the African Union Staff in ensuring the smooth organization and success of the PRC meeting. The Commissioner particularly congratulated the outgoing PRC Chairperson, Ambassador Albert R. Chimbindi, for his competence and good performance in the way he chaired all the meetings of the PRC with the view to achieving fruitful results. “Ambassador Chimbindi was a fair, objective, very competent, efficient and always completely in control of all the issues raised and discussed during his tenure as Chair of the PRC.” Noted Commissioner Maruping. The Commissioner called upon the PRC members to applaud the PRC Chairperson for a job well done. The Commission, he said, has been very appreciative of the good cooperation with the PRC during the leadership of Ambassador Chimbindi.
Ambassador Chimbindi on his part, thanked his pairs and the AU Commission for their tolerance, patience, commitment and dedication throughout the meetings. “If I was not receiving support from everyone of you, the AUC, Office of the Chairperson of the AUC, Secretary General, and the different departments in the Commission, I would have not made it this far.” The Ambassador noted. He added that, this has been a very interesting and testing journey for him who just presented his letters of credence on 23 December 2014 and had to be entrusted with the challenging responsibility of chairing the PRC in January 2015. He also commended the support given to him by members from his region, Southern Africa, particularly the deans of the region who immensely gave him the needed advice and guidance during his one year tenure as Chair of the PRC. Ambassador Chimbindi reiterated his willingness to work closely with his successor and to give him the necessary support to ensure that the relationship between the PRC and the Commission remains stronger and productive to help advance the goals of Agenda 2063.
While declaring the 31st Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee meeting closed.” The Ambassador congratulated his pairs for their useful contributions. “ We have to pat ourselves on the back for the expeditious manner in which we tackled our long agenda….We have had a very enriching and insightful debate on many issues of critical importance to the work of our Union…Our individual and collective determination and commitment helped to achieve the results that we have.” He concluded. (See complete speech of Ambassador Chimbindi on the AU Website: www.au.int )
Participants left the meeting room after 1:30 am with the satisfaction of taking part fully in all the discussions and reflections on the different items on their agenda and addressed all the issues of concern to the Member States of the African Union.
