Third African- European Union Summit hailed as a success. The two-day summit, hosted in Tipoli, Libya on November 29 and 30, brought together government leaders from 80 countries representing a total population of 1.5 billion people. During the meeting, the European Union pledged to donate €50 billion towards Africa’s development over the next three years as attendees also voted to adopt the Tripoli Declaration, highlighting their commitment to furthering bilateral relations between the two continents.

In addition, the Action Plan of the Joint African-European Union Strategy was also agreed, which details the nations’ alliances in eight areas, including peace and security; democratic governance and human rights; regional integration; trade and infrastructure; Millennium Development Goals; climate change and the environment; mobility and employment; and science, technology and space. As he commended the accomplishments of the two-day event, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso stated, “Africa and Europe now have a new joint program with a list of priorities that will mark the future of our relations.”

José Manuel Barroso, EC President (in English): In my first statement in the summit, I quoted a very old African proverb that says: “if you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together with others.” And this is precisely the message: let's do it together Africans and Europeans. I believe that if we remain together we can achieve great progress for the benefits of our peoples.

Jean Ping – Chairperson of the African Union (in French): We are moving in the right direction.

Our respectful accolades, all participating delegates for your fruitful meeting. May Heaven bless the momentum achieved by your efforts with flourishing benefit for all people across the African and European continents.

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