AUC delegation arrives in Washington DC for first US-Africa Leaders' Summit
WASHINGTON, August 1, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- A delegation of the African Union Commission, led by Chairperson H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will arrive in Washington on 2 August for the first and historic US-Africa Leaders' Summit. The delegation will be joining about 50 African Heads of State and Government in high level dialogue and meetings with a cross section of top officials of President Barrack Obama's Administration. The first ever US-Africa Leaders' Summit is being organized from 4-6 August 2014, in Washington DC.
On the invitation of US President Barrack Obama, the leaders will hold a high level strategic dialogue under the theme: “Investing in the Next Generation.” It is expected that these discussions and other side engagements with further strengthen the cooperation between Africa and the US at the continental level, building upon the existing strong bilateral and regional cooperation.
The Summit will focus on three sub-themes: Investing in Africa's Future; Peace, and Regional Security; Governing for the Next Generation (Capacity Development). Though invited on individual basis, Africa is expected to speak from a common position on these areas which are of critical importance to the continent's future.
"The Summit offers another great opportunity to further refine our reflections on the Africa we want, and how to make it happen, with the support of partners such as the United States. Therefore, I look forward to discussing with the leaders about how we can drive strategies such a skills revolution for our young girls and boys, on financially and technically supporting the energy generation, infrastructural development that fast-track our regional integration agenda, and more as we envision our Agenda 2063." Dr. Dlamini Zuma projects her expectations before leaving the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa for Washington DC.
Aside from other meetings preceding the Summit such as with the Private Sector, the Youth and AGOA forum, during which she will make statements, the AU Chairperson will on Sunday 3 August deliver an opening address at the "Believe in Africa Day" an Africa Diaspora-led initiative to showcase business opportunities in Africa.
On the final day of the Summit, Dr. Dlamini Zuma will co-grant a Press Conference with H.E. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and current Chairperson of the AU. This will follow the final Press Conference of President Barrack Obama.
Follow live coverage of the Summit on www.au.int; Twitter: @_AfricanUnion