AU Commission chief calls for closer partnership with Europe

Addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday, the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat called for closer partnership between the two continents to combat new global developments.

"The international horizon is now marked by alarmingly rapid change, new powers are emerging and seek their place in a world that has become multi-polar," Mahamat said, stressing that "The only hope for a lasting solution lies in a collective effort, based in solidarity."

The former prime minister of Chad, elected Chairperson of the AU Commission on Jan. 30, praised the development of intercontinental relations since the Africa-EU partnership was established at the first Africa-EU Summit in Cairo in 2000.

He said the geographical proximity of the two continents requires them to rely on one another.

The chairperson's comments come as the European Union (EU) is looking for a solution to the ongoing refugee crisis, which has led to influx of migrants via the Mediterranean Sea from North Africa.

Mahamat also raised the question of climate change, noting that studies have shown Africa bears the worst of the climate change consequences.

"There is a paradox in this, because on one hand, Africa is the least polluting continent, and it is the one who suffers most from climate change," he commented.

Thanking Mahamat for his visit, President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani shared his agreement with the AU Commission chairman, saying "We can only succeed in fighting terrorism, we can only deal with the issues linked to migration if Europe and Africa work together, so we need to strengthen our ties." Enditem