Angola hosts SADC Extraordinary Summit

BuaNews

Photo caption: Delegates at the SADC Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government at the Tolatone Conference Centre in Luanda, Angola.

President Jacob Zuma concluded a successful working visit to Angola in June, where the SADC Extraordinary Summit discussed various matters relating to the African continent, including political stability and economic integration.
The President led a South African delegation to Luanda, where the summit took place.
Some of the issues discussed were preparations for the African Union Summit to be hosted by Malawi in this month. Regional economic integration and political developments in the DRC, Madagascar and Malawi among others were also discussed.
On the implementation of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) in Zimbabwe, the Extraordinary Summit emphasised the importance of the GPA to find a solution to the political situation in that country.
“The implementation of the various aspects of the GPA is key towards the holding of elections in Zimbabwe,” said Zuma, who is the SADC facilitator.

Economic integration
On the issue of economic integration, the summit noted a concept paper on fast-tracking regional economic integration.
Recognising existing efforts at integrating economies in the region for greater growth and investment opportunities, the summit referred the report to ministers for inputs before it is presented to the next summit for decision.
The ministers were tasked with proposing specific projects and timelines for consideration by Heads of State and Government.
 
Strengthen the AU
The SADC leadership repeated their view that there was a need to strengthen the AU to improve its position in dealing with opportunities and challenges facing Africa.
On Malawi, the summit commended the people of that country for adhering to the country’s constitutional provisions regarding succession following the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika in April this year.
The summit also congratulated Joyce Mtila-Banda for assuming the Presidency of Malawi
For more information, call the Department of International Relations and Cooperation on: 012 351 1000