AU Deputy Chairperson Erastus Mwencha and Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre. Photo: UN Photo/Devra Berkowitz and Norwegian MFAForeign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre visits the AU Commission
Last updated: 08.06.2010 //
During his visit to Addis Ababa last Friday Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre met African Union Deputy Chairperson Erastus Mwencha. The two discussed a wide range of issues ranging from the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and Climate Change to the peace and security architecture in Africa.
Foreign Minister Støre expressed Norway’s strong commitment to continued support to the African Union (AU) and the capacity building of the organisation. He emphasised that Norway and the other Nordic countries have discussed how they can best jointly support the AU. Støre also said that African organisations have a special duty to solve African problems and commended the work of the AU Peace and Security Council. The Foreign Minister and the Deputy Chairperson discussed in detail the Doha negotiations and Climate Change issues, as well as sub-regional issues and the role of the AU in resolving them. Støre commended the role of the AU High level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) on the CPA in Sudan.
Foreign Minister Støre was impressed by the new Headquarters of AU being constructed with assistance of China.