Expediting implementation of AfCFTA a core agenda at AU upcoming summit: MFA State Minister
Addis Ababa, January 26, 2023 (FBC) – The 42nd Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 36th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly will be held in Addis Ababa under the theme of “Accelerating AfCFTA Implementation.”
Under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the African Union aspires to increase economic cooperation among member countries.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Birukan Ayano, stated in her briefing on Ethiopia’s preparations for the AU summit that electing a director for the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) will be one of the primary agenda topics, among others.
The State Minister stated that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, has established key directions to ensure the summit’s success.
According Ambassador Birtukan, preparations are in advanced stages to ensure the success of the AU Summit, based on plans developed by more than 30 stakeholders from various institutions.
She highlighted that this year’s AU Summit will take place during the implementation of the Peace Agreement signed to end the conflict in northern Ethiopia.
Furthermore, the State Minister called on Ethiopians, particularly the inhabitants of Addis Ababa, and all stakeholders to discharge responsibilities in order to ensure the success of the AU Summit, as per MFA Ethiopia’s report.