Monday 1 July 2013

Dr. Dlamini Zuma and President Obama to meet in Johannesburg, South Africa

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 28 June, 2013: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and United States President H.E. Barack Obama are due to meet in Johannesburg, South Africa, today 29 June 2013. This will be the first time Dr. Dlamini Zuma is meeting with President Obama in her capacity as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. This will also be the first ever official encounter between a sitting US President and the Head of the AU. President Obama is in the second lap of his ongoing visit to Africa.

The AUC Chairperson and the US President are expected to discuss issues of common interest aimed at boosting the AU-US partnership. Areas of focus during their meeting will include cooperation on development, food security and infrastructure and energy. They will also discuss issues related to democratic governance, human rights, and peace and security in Africa. They will also confer on trade and investment opportunities for US companies to foster growth and development on the African continent to create jobs in Africa and the US. The AU and US signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 1 February 2013 emphasizing these areas of cooperation.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma looks forward to getting President Obama’s commitment for the effective implementation of the MOU, and to avail the necessary support and resources to implement the MOU.

According to Dr. Dlamini Zuma, “total and effective implementation of this MOU will greatly contribute to achieving the AUC’s 2014-2017 Strategic Plan, as well as significantly contributing to Africa’s Agenda 2063.”

While in South Africa, President Barack Obama will also hold meetings with South African President, H.E. Jacob Zuma, and other regional leaders, tour the Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in jail and also deliver a keynote speech at the University of Cape Town.

From South Africa, President Obama will proceed to Tanzania, which will conclude his three-State Africa tour.