Mnangagwa joins world leaders at key indaba

President Emmerson Mnangagwa today participates in the 7th African Union-European Union (AU-EU) Summit, a two-day gathering of Heads of State from both continents aimed at strengthening international cooperation and celebrating 25 years of formal partnership.

Under the theme "Promoting peace and prosperity through effective multilateralism," the summit provides a platform to address shared global challenges, including economic development, peace, governance, and climate resilience. The meeting is co-chaired by Angolan President João Lourenço, representing the African Union, and European Council President António Costa, with the European Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen and the African Union Commission by Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

For Zimbabwe, the summit presents a strategic opportunity to engage with European counterparts amid ongoing efforts to strengthen international relations. According to the AU, the summit allows both unions to reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism, solidarity, and joint action on global issues.

The AU-EU partnership, formally established in 2000, has delivered results across infrastructure, education, health, innovation, and climate resilience. Both blocs are also focused on regional economic integration, sustainable trade, and investment that create jobs while advancing green and digital transitions.

Peace, security, and governance remain central to the partnership, with joint initiatives supporting conflict prevention, management, and post-conflict reconstruction through the African Peace and Security Architecture. Human development initiatives include programs on migration, education, culture, social inclusion, and humanitarian affairs, with particular attention to women and youth.

The summit further reinforces adherence to the rule of law, good governance, democratic principles, human rights, and gender equality, while strengthening multilateralism globally. The AU highlighted cooperation through the G20, chaired by South Africa, and the Pact for the Future as examples of joint action to promote shared values, combat climate change, and protect the planet.

European Council President António Costa said the summit would solidify EU-Africa relations, emphasizing a strong, balanced, and forward-looking partnership. The EU remains Africa's fourth-largest trading partner, with preferential trade agreements covering 19 African countries, and over 90 percent of African exports entering the EU market duty-free.

The 7th AU-EU Summit builds on the outcomes of last May's ministerial meeting in Brussels, where ministers committed to deepening ties guided by shared values, mutual interests, and a joint vision for sustainable growth and stability across both continents.