The ministerial was a continuation of the Euro-African dialogue. The talks focused on reviewing the implementation of the decisions made at the 5th EU-UA Summit, which was held in Abidjan in November 2017. These decisions largely concern the needs of young Africans, such as providing them with adequate education and creating new jobs in African countries, which is the best remedy for the root causes of migration. One of the aims of the meeting was also to set priorities for the next cooperation period, which will be concluded with the 6th summit, planned for 2020.

 During the meeting, the chief of Polish diplomacy stressed the importance of cooperation of the European Union and the African Union in strengthening global multilateralism. “Europe and Africa are excellent examples of multilateral cooperation based on partnership, trust and respect for mutual commitments,” said Minister Czaputowicz, while recalling that multilateralism is one of the priorities of Poland’s membership in the UN Security Council. “We believe that only genuine commitment to multilateralism can solve current cross-border issues and crises effectively,” he added.

The participants also discussed a number of issues related to Europe-Africa economic cooperation. One way of strengthening it is the Africa-Europe Alliance for Sustainable Investment and Jobs, which was launched in September 2018. The aims of the Alliance include boosting private investment between both continents. “The Alliance is a step in the right direction, benefitting both African and European economies, especially when it comes to jobs for young people,” said Minister Czaputowicz. He went on to stress that the Alliance would open up new opportunities for Polish companies who are interested in expanding into Africa.

It is especially significant that European and African countries should coordinate their activities in the field of peace and security, notably with regard to the fight against extremist groups. “We welcome the fact that the African Union has assumed many important responsibilities in this area in recent years, and that it has played an ever greater role in promoting peace and security,” observed Poland’s top diplomat. Conflicts in some African regions have a direct impact on Europe, e.g. by sending waves of refugees and migrants for whom the Old Continent holds out the promise of a better and more secure future. “As a non-permanent member of the Security Council and an EU member, Poland is interested in playing an active part in building peace and security across Africa,” added the minister. In this context, he referred to Poland’s materiel support and readiness to train the G5 Sahel Joint Force, which is fighting terrorism in the Sahel.

On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, the Polish foreign policy chief also spoke with the foreign ministers of Ethiopia, Guinea, and Tunisia.

 

MFA Press Office

Photo: Sebastian Indra / MFA