The chairman of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to the African Union (AU), Miguel Bembe, stated on Sunday that the 7th AU–EU Summit in Luanda is of vital importance, as it presents opportunities to build a prosperous and sustainable future for both Africa and Europe.
Speaking at the opening session of the meeting between AU and EU officials—convened to prepare for the Summit of Heads of State and Government—Bembe highlighted that the strength of the partnership between the two continents lies in their shared vision, constructive dialogue, and collective commitment to multilateralism and sustainable development.
He emphasized that the summit reinforces cooperation in key areas such as peace and security, migration, and mobility.
According to Bembe, the process also reflects a joint desire to strengthen multilateral commitments and implement mechanisms capable of addressing persistent challenges, including the low rate of implementation of past commitments and ongoing financial constraints at the multilateral level.
Bembe also underscored the importance of preserving strong bilateral relations between the African Union and its member states.
He noted that the partnership aims to build a future grounded in dignity, opportunity, and prosperity.
“This will require courage, perseverance, and solidarity from all of us. As Africa and Europe advance together, our partnership should stand as a symbol of inspiration and leadership for the world,” he said.
The ambassador highlighted that both continents are working to consolidate a stable, long-term relationship based on mutual interest, equality, and shared responsibility—fully aligned with the AU’s Agenda 2063, known as ‘The Africa We Want’.
He also pointed to the European Union’s political priorities and its collective commitment to the United Nations 2030 Agenda, especially regarding sustainable development.
Bembe praised European partners for maintaining consistent support for cooperation efforts with both the AU and individual African countries, contributing significantly to development initiatives across the continent.
The AU–EU Summit is expected to gather approximately 2,000 participants, including Heads of State and Government as well as representatives of multilateral institutions.
Held under the theme “Promoting Peace and Prosperity Through Effective Multilateralism”, the event will be co-chaired by the current President of the African Union, João Lourenço, and the President of the European Council, António Costa.
The summit coincides with the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence on November 11, and with Angola’s rotating presidency of the African Union. It aims to reaffirm and strengthen the 25-year partnership between the two blocs.
The Committee of Permanent Representatives to the African Union (CRP-AU) serves as a strategic body that bridges high-level political decisions and their practical implementation across AU member states.
