Events
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November 16, 2015China contributes 2 USD million to support the establishment of the Africa’s Centre for Disease ControlDIRECTORATE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
PRESS RELEASE Nº340/2015
China contributes 2 USD million to support the establishment of the Africa’s Centre for Disease Control
Description: Description: C:\Users\Hp\Downloads\13 nov 2015 H.E. the Deputy Chairperson will hold a meeting with H.E. the Vice Minister of China (2).JPGAddis Ababa, Ethiopia, 13th November 2015: The People’s Republic of China has donated 2 USD million to the African Union Commission to support the establishment of the African Center for Disease Control (ACDC). The grant documents were signed today 13th November 2015 at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa by the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E Mr. Erastus Mwencha and the Vice Minister of Commerce, H.E Mr. Qian Keming who was leading a high level Chinese delegation.
H.E Mr. Mwencha, on behalf of the AUC Chairperson, H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, expressed his gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for the financial support of the 2 USD million for the inception of the African CDC project and also for the donation of IT equipment to the Commission.
Furthermore, the Deputy Chairperson acknowledged the strong and fruitful cooperation between Africa and china highlighting the impressive growing economic relations between China and Africa. "In 2012, the volume of trade was 198.5 USD billion and is estimated to reach 385 USD billion by end of 2015 if the current trends continue" He said. "These relations are mutually beneficial to both parties and are underscored by a sense of mutual respect. While Africa gains by the injection of technical and financial support, China also gains the access to Africa’s vast consumer market and to reserves of natural resources, which are needed to support China’s growing industrial sector." He continued.
The Deputy Chairperson also noted that since the establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000, it has provided a valuable platform for Africa-China dialogue on key issues of development for both parties. He appreciated the ongoing partnership in various sectors including economic cooperation, trade, industrial investments, infrastructure and aviation, with transformational benefits over the last decade has made on bilateral basis with African countries.
H.E Mr. Qian Keming, Vice Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China expressed the readiness of his country to strengthen and broaden the areas of cooperation with Africa. The Vice Minister of Commerce highlighted that the Africa’s Agenda 2063 its First ten-year implementation Plan can be compared to China’s thirteenth five-year plan, which aims at boosting China’s long-term social and economic policies. He reiterated the commitment of China to fully supporting the African Union in the implementation process of Agenda 2063. He also said that the upcoming Forum on Africa-China Cooperation (FOCAC) that will take place is South Africa would be a critical step in demonstrating the will of the two partners to testify their excellent cooperation.
H.E Mr. Qian Keming also said that H.E Xi Jin, President of the People’s Republic China would announce the Africa-China Cooperation for the next three years. He added that Plan would focus on development areas industrialization, infrastructure, and agriculture modernization.
The discussions between the two delegations also included, among others, the regional aviation cooperation between China and Africa, the establishment of the Pan African Television and Radio and the construction of the High Speed Train network.
The 6th FOCAC will take place in December 2015 in Johannesburg, South Africa. In the margins of the Summit, the 5th Africa-China Entrepreneur Summit, the China Manufacturing Expo will be organized.
JL/YA
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For more information:
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Directorate of Information and Communication
Directorate of Information and Communication | Information and Communication | African Union CommissionTel: +251-11-5517700 | Fax: | E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.int
Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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November 14, 2015
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November 13, 2015China contributes 2 USD million to support the establishment of the Africa’s Centre for Disease Control
China contributes 2 USD million to support the establishment of the Africa’s Centre for Disease Control
Go to attachmentsDIRECTORATE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
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November 12, 2015
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July 24, 2015 to July 25, 2015
MEDIA ADVISORY
LAUNCH OF THE 2015-2025 DECADE OF AFRICAN SEAS AND OCEANS, CELEBRATION OF THE AFRICAN DAY OF THE SEAS AND OCEANS AND INAUGURAL SESSION OF THE STRATEGIC TASK FORCE ON THE 2050 AFRICA’S INTEGRATED MARITIME STRATEGY (2050 AIM-STRATEGY)What: African Day of Seas and Oceans and inaugural session of the Strategic Task Force on the 2050 AIM- Strategy.
Theme: “Harnessing the Blue economy in Achieving the African Union Agenda 2063”
When: 24-25 July 2015
The meeting will feature the following events:
- 24 July 2015: The Inaugural Meeting of the African Union Strategic Task Force on the 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy (2050 AIM-Strategy)
- 24 July 2015: Panel Discussion and Official Dinner
- 24 July 2015:Ship Owners Association and Women in Maritime (as side events)
- 25 July: Launch of the Decade of Africa Seas and Oceans and
Celebration of the African Day of Seas and OceansWho:The African Union Commission
Where:African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Participants: The event will bring together many stakeholders including African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Regional Mechanisms, Financial Institutions and Insurance Companies, the Private Sector, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Shipper Councils, Port Associations, Maritime Training Institutions, Maritime Desks of RECs, Media, etc.
Objectives: The event aims:
- To develop and adopt Terms of Reference for the work of the Strategic Task Force to accomplish the mandate given by the Malabo Decision requesting the establishment of a Strategic Task Force
- To launch the 2015-2025 as the Decade of African Seas and Oceans
- To raise awareness about the necessity to celebrate the Africa Day of Seas and Oceans both at National and Continental levels
Expected Outcome:- Popularize the 2050 AIM-Strategy and the Africa’s Blue Economy.
- Develop a road map for consideration by the AU policy organs in view of the extraordinary session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government scheduled to be held in Lomé, Togo in November 2015.
Africa’s seas and oceans represent today major assets to accelerate the development of African economies. Indeed, 90% of Africa’s imports and exports are conducted by sea. It then becomes necessary for the Continent to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Blue economy. Being aware of this reality, the 22nd Ordinary Session of Heads of States and Governments adopted the Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy (2050 AIM Strategy) and its Plan of Action for Implementation. The 2050 AIM Strategy recommendedthe establishment of an Africa Day of Seas and Oceans and the launching of a Decade of African Seas and Oceans. The 23rd Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government in Malabo requested the African Union Commission in consultation with the Permanent Representatives Committee to facilitate the establishment of a Strategic Task Force composed of Representatives of Member States, the RECs and the Commission, with a mandate to consider the technical details of the 2050 AIM-Strategy and propose a roadmap for the incremental implementation of the strategy in conformity with International Maritime Law. In line with the Malabo Decision, the African Union has scheduled 24 July 2015 to hold the Inaugural Meeting of the African Union Strategic Task Force on the 2050 AIM-Strategy and theLaunch of the Decade of Africa Seas and Oceans together with the celebration of the very first Africa Day of Seas and Oceans which will follow the meeting on 25 July 2015.
Media representatives are invited to attend and cover the events.
For any inquiry, please contact:
Samuel Kame-Domguia| Coordinator of the 2050 AIM-Strategy Task Force I African Union Commission I E-mail: SkameDomguia@african-union.org I Tel: +251911503413I Fax: +251115182719 I Addis Ababa | EthiopiaDirectorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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May 15, 2015Signing Ceremony of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali Resulting the Algiers Process
SIGNING CEREMONY OF THE AGREEMENT FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION IN MALI RESULTING THE ALGIERS PROCESS
Addis Ababa, 15 May 2015: The Deputy Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Erastus Mwencha, today, attended the signing Ceremony of the “Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali resulting the Algiers Process”.
The signing of the “Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali resulting the Algiers Process” is a milestone and a historic moment marking the exit of the country from a deep and multifaceted crisis started in January 2012 when the National Liberation Movement of Azawad (MNLA) triggered a rebellion in northern Mali with a clear secessionist agenda. Other Terrorist movements joined this separatist movement, although several elements of them were already present in Malian territory over the last few years. This destabilization of Mali, which almost led to its disintegration, is partly one of the consequences of the Libyan crisis of 2011, as noted in the report of the joint AU/UN expert multidisciplinary mission in the Sahel in November 2011.
In presence of no less than 15 African Head of States and Governments, Mr Mwencha reaffirmed “the unwavering commitment of the African Union to stand side by side with the people of Mali in overcoming the challenges of insecurity and socio-political polarisation of their country”.
In his address, the Deputy Chairperson, invited the movements, which participated in the negotiations but did not sign the agreement, to “join the spirit of the agreement and sign it diligently, at the risk of marginalizing and exposing themselves”.
He, also, seized the opportunity to express gratitude to African Union High Representative for Mali and the Sahel, President Pierre Buyoya for is active and highly appreciated role in the process and paid tribute to all the actors of the international mediation under the leadership of the Republic of Algeria.
FKM
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April 28, 2015The African Union Calls for Clemency for Foreign Nationals Convicted of Drug-Related Crimes in Indonesia
THE AFRICAN UNION CALLS FOR CLEMENCY FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS CONVICTED OF DRUG-RELATED CRIMES IN INDONESIA
Addis Ababa, 28 April 2015: The Deputy Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Erastus Mwencha, today, met with the Ambassador of Indonesia to Ethiopia and Representative to the AU, to discuss issues of mutual concern.
The Deputy Chairperson seized the opportunity of the meeting to bring to the attention of the Ambassador the issue of the impending execution of a number of foreign nationals convicted of drug related crimes, including Africans. While reiterating AU’s strong commitment to fighting drug trafficking in all its aspects and its full respect for Indonesia’s sovereignty and judiciary, he made an urgent appeal for clemency. He also encouraged Indonesia to consider the possibility of signing prisoners transfer agreements that would make it possible for convicted foreign citizens to serve jail terms in their home countries.
The Ambassador undertook to immediately transmit the AU concerns to the relevant Government authorities in Indonesia through the Foreign Ministry.
The Deputy Chairperson stressed the importance of the partnership between the AU and Indonesia. The two Parties agreed and pledged to work towards the further strengthening of this partnership particularly in the area of prevention of narcotics trafficking and terrorism.
FMK/
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April 17, 2015
Addis Ababa, 8 April 2015. H. E Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission received a $ 1 million check fromH. E Osman RizaYavuzalp, Turkish Ambassador to Ethiopia.
This contribution is earmarked for the proposed projects under the “Matrix of Major Priority Projects of the Turkey-Africa partnership 2015-2019” which was agreed upon at the II Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit, held in Malabo on 19-21 November 2014.
“At this point, Turkey’s contribution is crucial to the AU and will go along way in providing support in the implementation of a series of activities under the theme of the year, women’s empowerment” Mr. Mwencha said.
The Deputy Chairperson also mentioned the ongoing economic and trade cooperation between Turkey and Africa and highlighted the necessity tostrengthen the relation in all areas of common interest including counter-terrorism.H. E Osman RizaYavuzalp, on his part, stressed the fact that the Turkish contribution reflects the constant commitment of his country to support Africa’s development.
“Turkey will pursue its cooperation with Africa in different fields such as agriculture, energy, security and human resources development” he asserted.FKM/ EAT
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April 06, 2015
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 01 April 2015. The Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the Arab Republic of Egypt and Permanent Mission to the League of Arab States, Dr. Bisher H. Al-Khasawneh, presented on 1st April 2015, his letter of Credence’s to H. E Mr. Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
Deputy Chairperson Mwencha expressed appreciation to H.M. King Abdallah of Jordan for his initiative. “We have been following with keen interest the situation in the Middle East and the important role played by the Kingdom of Jordan” he indicated. He stressed the need to work on a common agenda: “not only on Peace and Security issues, but also in Economy and other areas of development.”
On his part, Dr. Bisher H. Al-Khasawneh reiterated his country’s interest for engaging in partnerships with Africa. “We, always believed in Africa and its great potential” he said, adding that, “ We know integration is key and we highly value the way the African Union Commission spearheads the African Agenda”.
FKM / EAT
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March 12, 2015
Opening speech by HE Deputy Chairperson
On Africa Lifestyle DayCourtesies
Dear Participants, Ladies and gentlemen,
A healthy lifestyle involves regular physical activity or exercise, healthy eating habits, reducing stress, avoiding tobacco use and alcohol abuse. Adopting a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like High blood pressure (Hypertension), overweight/obesity, high blood glucose levels (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus), high levels of fat in the blood (Hyperlipidemia), various cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and injuries.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has projected that by 2020, 73% of all deaths worldwide will be due to NCDs and that the burden of disease due to NCDs will rise by more than 60% in LMICs (including countries in Sub Saharan Africa).The Theme for this year’s commemoration is ‘Tobacco- free environment starts with you’
This theme is relevant and in line with the Sixty-sixth World Health Assembly’s fifth global target of reducing the prevalence of current tobacco use by 30% by the year 2025 and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The theme has been selected because of the vital role tobacco use plays in causing, aggravating or increasing the risk of developing several NCDs thereby affecting the health of millions of Africans. It recognises that all people have a right to breathe clean air and stresses the fact that each of us has a responsibility in ensuring that our environment is tobacco-free.
Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in the world. About six million people are currently estimated to die annually from tobacco use, with over 600 000 deaths due to exposure to second-hand smoke ( 170 000 of these deaths occur among children). Unless something substantial is done, this annual total is projected to increase to 8 million by 2030. In Africa, tobacco-attributable mortality is currently around 3%. For an avoidable cause of death, these figures are unacceptably high.
The African Union Commission, now more than ever is committed to a “tobacco-free Africa”. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was created with this in mind. The commitment was started in 1999 and intensified in the following years, leading to a unified voice in Africa committing to tobacco control and improved public health.
Every effort should be made to ensure that people that use tobacco are assisted to stop, new smokers are prevented from starting, exposure to second hand tobacco smoke is prevented and the production and sale of tobacco products is reduced.
This is the time for action. Africa must show leadership in ensuring that the present tide is reversed and that the next generation will suffer less from the harmful effects of tobacco.
I wish you and all of Africa a happy 2015 Africa Healthy Lifestyle Day commemoration.
I thank you.
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February 17, 2015
Saudi Arabia Ambassador paid courtesy visit to AU Commission Deputy Chairperson
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 17 February, 2015: The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, H. E Abdulbaki A. Ajlan on 10 February 2015 paid a courtesy call to the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Erastus Mwencha.
Discussions touched on the relations between the African Union and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as the ways and means to strengthen the Afro-Arab solidarity and reinforce the existing cooperation ties between the two parties.Regarding the latest developments in Yemen, Deputy Chairperson Mwencha expressed concerns over the prevailing situation in the country particularly on the situation of peace and
security in the region. He stressed on the consistent position of African Union with respect to constitutional order and people’s aspirations for peace and democracy.FKM/
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February 06, 2015