By Eritrea Mission to AU and UNECA,
A DELEGATION led by Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Eritrea, participated in the 23rd Summit of the African Union (AU) held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, from 20-27 June 2014, under the theme “Year of Agriculture and Food Security.”
The Conference was conducted in three levels. The 28th Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee was convened from 20-22 June at the level of Ambassadors, followed by the 25th Session of the Executive Council held from 23-25 June at the level of Foreign Ministers, while the 23rd Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government took place on 26 and 27 June.
In a statement he delivered to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government on 26 June, Minister Osman underscored that the achievement of food security is of paramount importance to the security, dignity and development of Africa.
Minister Osman stated that the Government of Eritrea has put the achievement of food security at the top of its development agenda and has made huge investment towards this.
Furthermore, Minister Osman indicated that Eritrea‟s ultimate objective is not only to produce enough to feed its population but also to make agriculture the basis for industrialization through value-addition.
The Minster went on to list the activities undertaken by the people and Government of Eritrea to prepare the ground work for the modernization of the agricultural sector, including human resources development, infrastructure, and soil and water conservation.
Minister Osman also emphasized that “Agriculture and Food Security” is not a theme that could be shelved at the end of the year, but a mission that the people and Governments of Africa need to dedicate their efforts and resources to until its fulfillment.
Furthermore, on 25 June, the Delegation attended the meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) held at the level of Heads of State and Government to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the operationalization of the PSC.
