Luanda: The President of the European Council, Ant³nio Costa, emphasized on Tuesday in Luanda that Europe's modern-day relationship with Africa is rooted in equality and not in a colonialist mindset aimed at exploiting resources or gaining specific advantages. "On the contrary, the focus lies on establishing a genuine and equitable partnership," Costa stated during a press conference marking the conclusion of the African Union and European Union Summit in the Angolan capital.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Costa highlighted the importance of trust, which has been cultivated over many years, especially over the last 25 years since the strategic partnership between the two continents began. This trust, he argued, is grounded in concrete projects that ensure robust cooperation. Costa acknowledged Africa's human capital-its talent and youth-as its most valuable resource, noting that approximately 800 million people are expected to enter the African job market in the coming years, presenting a significant opportunity for the continent's development.
Costa elaborated that Africa's development will not solely rely on its natural resources, crucial for energy and digital transitions but will also attract investments aimed at industrialization and local resource transformation. This approach is expected to generate added value and create jobs within Africa, retaining local talent. This vision is mutually shared by the European Union and African Union, as well as between European and African states.
In addressing journalists at the Summit, Costa noted that European companies are currently the largest investors in Africa and expressed optimism that the African Continental Free Trade Area will further stimulate development and investment. He referenced the Global Gateway initiatives focusing on essential infrastructure, professional training, and critical industrial investments, such as vaccine production, as key to ensuring mutual benefits from this partnership, moving away from past extractive practices.
Costa also underscored that Europe's stance towards Africa is underpinned by shared values and a commitment to a multilateral order respecting international law. He reaffirmed both continents' dedication to the values of the United Nations Charter, emphasizing that solutions to global conflicts should be just, comprehensive, and lasting, whether in Ukraine, the occupied Palestinian territory, Southeast Asia, the Sahel, or elsewhere. Costa warned against allowing any state to violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of others, as it sets a dangerous precedent.
He stressed the importance of a multilateral order based on international law, warning that its alternative is chaos, which must be avoided. Costa reiterated that both blocs will continue efforts for peace and prosperity through various initiatives.
The 7th AU-EU Summit concluded in Luanda with calls to strengthen economic, energy, and security cooperation, alongside respect for the United Nations Charter principles in addressing global challenges. The event, which marked the 25th anniversary of formal cooperation between the two regional blocs, was held under the theme 'Promoting Peace and Prosperity through Effective Multilateralism.' It was co-chaired by Angolan and African Union President, Joo Louren§o, and Ant³nio Costa, with participation from 28 African Heads of State and Government, 18 African country representatives, and 14 European leaders and representatives from 12 EU Member States.