Gathered for two days in Luanda, representatives of eighty African and European delegations ended their meeting by highlighting the solidity of a partnership celebrating a quarter of a century. The final communiqué, unveiled on Tuesday, does not reveal any spectacular measures, but lists a series of promises reaffirming the attachment of the two continents to constant dialogue and lasting cooperation.
Saluting a link that they describe as “ strategic “, officials from both organizations insisted on the need to defend an international order based on rules, presented as the best guarantee against instability. The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, recalled that allowing territorial violations to flourish endangered the global balance, emphasizing the importance of common values.
Trade, minerals and value chains
At the heart of the discussions was also the desire to deepen economic exchanges. The two blocs have indicated their intention to intensify their commercial partnerships, particularly around minerals essential to the energy transition. African countries have insisted on the need to move upmarket by developing local value chains.
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The head of Angolan diplomacy, Tete Antonio, insisted on the need to transform resources locally, referring to the export of batteries rather than simple raw materials. He also stressed that questions of security, governance and shared prosperity remain at the heart of the bilateral relationship.
Migration, regional crises and European criticism
The summit also highlighted migration issues, with both parties seeking to curb irregular flows while facilitating legal mobility. The crises shaking Africa and Europe have also occupied a large space, from the war in Ukraine to the conflicts in Sudan and in the east of the DRC.
Participants condemned the violence committed by the Rapid Support Forces in Darfur and reiterated their support for international diplomatic efforts. The Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Prévost, however recognized that Europe had not fully fulfilled its role in Congo, believing that poorly calibrated sanctions could hamper the ongoing mediation processes.
