Addis Ababa, 13 March 2020: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat concluded a one-day working visit to São Tomé and Príncipe today.

During his visit, the Chairperson met with Prime Minister Jorge Lopes Bom Jesus, including Foreign Minister Elsa Teixeira Pinto, who briefed him on the country’s national priorities, and its progress in domesticating the African Union agenda, including the flagship protocol on the Free Movements of goods and people.

The Chairperson in turn commended São Tomé and Príncipe for its political leadership that has led to a peaceful political transition and national stability which should be an example to emulate in the region.

The Chairperson was also received by President Evaristo Carvalho who thanked him for the first ever visit to São Tomé and Príncipe by a Chairperson of the African Union Commission, hailing it as a historic recognition of the island nation. President Carvalho also commended Chairperson for his stewardship of the Commission and the implementation of the AU Reform agenda.

The Chairperson briefed President Carvalho on progress on Agenda 2063, the institutional and financial reforms currently underway. He also updated the president of the results from the AU High Level Committee on Libya Contact Group meeting held in Oyo, 12 March 2020 to discuss modalities on the preparations for the national Inter Libyan national reconciliation conference.
The two leaders further discussed regional integration and other issues of mutual interest.