As part of the capitalization and consolidation of the implementation of the West Africa Regional Indicative Program (RIP) of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF), the UEMOA and ECOWAS Commissions held an inter-organizational strategic workshop in Lomé from September 9th to 13th, 2024.

The objective of the workshop is to take stock of the implementation of programs financed in the ECOWAS region by the 11th EDF, to capitalize on experiences with a view to consolidating achievements and improving the performance of Regional Organizations in terms of the implementation of programs financed by external resources.

This workshop, co-organized by ECOWAS through its External Relations Directorate headed by Mr. Jerome BOA (co-chair of the session), by UEMOA through its Cooperation Directorate headed by Mr. Arnaud Cédric KIEMA (co-chair of the session) and its EDF-UEMOA Management Unit, saw the participation of ECOWAS and UEMOA Directorates in charge of priority projects implemented within the framework of the 11th EDF PIR.

During the opening ceremony, Mrs. Aminata Cira LO PAYE, Resident Representative of the UEMOA Commission in Lomé, recalled that since 2021, the NDICI has succeeded the EDF as the European Neighborhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI). The first programs resulting from this new instrument are in the start-up phase. It is in this context that this workshop is being held, which aims, on the one hand, to take stock of the implementation of the portfolio of regional programs financed by the European Union through the PIR 11th EDF jointly supported by ECOWAS and UEMOA, on the other hand, to draw relevant lessons for future programming actions within the framework of the NDICI, with a view to meeting the many current challenges facing regional integration projects.

This meeting was preceded by survey work by project, conducted jointly by the FED-UEMOA cell, the UEMOA Cooperation Directorate and the ECOWAS External Relations Directorate. This survey work allowed the development of information support summarizing the implementation report of target projects identified and used during the work sessions and useful for compiling the workshop recommendations.

At the end of the work of this workshop, the recommendations will be transmitted to the management of the two organizations, to better focus future discussions with development partners and to better coordinate joint ECOWAS-UEMOA initiatives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Members of Parliament, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, Mr Mdumiseni Ntuli, Ms Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, and Mr Vuyani Pambo were today sworn in as members of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP).

The four members were appointed by both Houses of Parliament to serve as members of the continental legislative body. They were sworn in this morning during the sitting of the Pan-African Parliament Committees and other PAP organs currently underway in Midrand, Johannesburg.

The PAP is a legislative organ of the African Union (AU) as set out by the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community (Abuja Treaty). It provides a platform for people from all African states to be involved in discussions and decision-making on the problems and challenges facing the continent, including matters pertaining to respect for human rights, the consolidation of democratic institutions and the culture of democracy, as well as the promotion of good governance and the rule of law.

The PAP also promotes, among other things, the coordination and harmonisation of policies, measures, programmes, and activities of the Regional Economic Communities and the parliamentary fora on the continent.

During today’s plenary session, the Members received presentations on various topics affecting the continent’s development, such as peace and security, climate change, and the poor implementation of Agenda 2063.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

On September 16, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt Badr Abdelatty, who is in Moscow on a working visit.

The ministers specifically discussed a wide range of issues related to further dynamic development of the traditionally friendly Russian-Egyptian relations. They also reaffirmed Moscow and Cairo’s mutual commitment to establish comprehensive cooperation in accordance with the interstate Treaty on Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Cooperation signed in Sochi in October 2018.

The ministers noted the leading role of the Joint Russian-Egyptian Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation in increasing the volume of bilateral trade and expanding cooperation in industry, energy and agriculture. In this context, the implementation of large joint investment projects was highlighted, first of all the construction of the first nuclear power plant in Egypt, El Dabaa, and creation of a Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. The Russian side reaffirmed its readiness to continue timely supplies of Russian grain products to Egypt.

The ministers also discussed topical international and regional problems. Moscow and Cairo’s mutual intention to maintain coordination at the UN, BRICS and other multilateral platforms was reaffirmed. It was noted that Russia and Egypt had similar approaches to resolving the ongoing crises and conflict situations in the Middle East and the African continent through political and diplomatic means in accordance with international law and the provisions of the UN Charter.

Sergey Lavrov informed Badr Abdelatty in detail about Russia’s fundamental assessments and considerations on the Ukrainian issue.

When discussing the situation in and around the Gaza Strip, the foreign ministers highlighted that it was necessary to cease fire as soon as possible and provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the people in the enclave. They also emphasised that a comprehensive peaceful Palestinian-Israeli settlement on a generally accepted international legal basis, which provides for the creation of an independent State of Palestine within the 1967 borders with its capital in East Jerusalem, was a priority.

The ministers reaffirmed Russia and Egypt’s commitment to continue efforts aimed at prompt political settlement to the crisis in Libya, based on the principles of its unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Special focus was placed on preparations for the first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum scheduled to take place in Sochi in November.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

On 9 – 13 September 2024, Thailand hosted the 1st Plenary of the 62nd Annual Session of the Asian-African Consultative Organization (AALCO) held at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park Hotel in Bangkok whereby Mrs. Suphanvasa Chotikajan Tang, Director-General of the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs, was elected as President of the Meeting. The Annual Session was attended by more than 300 participants, including representatives from 39 Member States and 7 international organizations.

​Throughout the Session, members discussed 9 important and urgent legal issues at the regional and global levels, including the work of the International Law Commission (ILC) at its 75th Session, climate change, law of the sea, the question of Palestine, violent extremism and terrorism, international trade and investment law, cyberspace laws, and space laws. Seven ILC members also took part in the Session, including Dr. Vilawan Mangklatanakul, Ambassador of Thailand to Vienna, Prof. Phoebe Okowa, Prof. Masahiko Asada, and Dr. Hong Thao Nguyen.

​The Annual Session also saw the adoption of “Krungthep Declaration,” which reaffirms Member States’ commitment to the principles and purposes of AALCO by strengthening cooperation in addressing global challenges through existing international legal fora, ensuring adequate representation of Asian and African countries in international legal bodies, engaging with youth to develop international law particularly on emerging international legal issues which would affect future generations, as well as reiterating the importance of encouraging more Asian and African States to participate in AALCO as Member States.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.