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| Obiang Nguema with U.N. Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon |
President Obiang said that Africa should reorient itself to ensure its
independence and security of African states through the safe production of its
own consumer goods. “Africa cannot be content to continue with the current
dependence on the economies of the developed world. Africa is sailing upstream
against a dependency that prevents them from moving toward sustainable
development. Africa should rethink its relationship with the developed world to
reduce as far as possible the gap that prevents access to development,” said
Obiang.
“The development of agriculture can greatly reduce this dependence,” he
said. “Africa can ensure food security and significantly reduce hunger in our
countries. Africa should heavily invest in agricultural development to transform
itself in order to accelerate growth to increase production and productivity,”
said Obiang.
President Obiang proposed to the African Union the establishment of a
program that focuses on the organization and exploitation of markets to promote
trade and food security and to eradicate hunger, malnutrition and rural
poverty. This will also reinforce the fight against climate change and
agriculture.
He said that Equatorial Guinea is already investing in its agricultural
sector. “As part of our diversification plan, Equatorial Guinea currently
focuses on [agricultural] production to achieve these goals. It is imperative
to ensure the security and stability of our states, since agriculture is the
most vulnerable sector in times of instability, war and terrorism.” said Obiang
“It’s no coincidence that this session focuses on the issue of
agriculture and food security in Africa. We cannot talk about the development
of Africa if there is no agricultural development to ensure food security and
avoid lifelong dependence on imports of consumer products.”
He noted that Africa counts on the support of organizations focused on
agriculture and ways to improve the sector, and urged continued support for
those organizations.
“The African Union must recognize and financially support the structures
of non-governmental organizations, businesses and institutions created in
Africa to support agriculture, such as the New Partnership for Africa’s
Development (NEPAD).”
Obiang linked democratic and economic development. “Africa must
contribute to a democratic development aimed at achieving economic development
of society and the welfare of its citizens. It must be a democracy that seeks
conflict reduction, he said.”
Obiang also urged his fellow Africans to prioritize South-South cooperation,
a cooperation that respects the principles of equality.
“The last decade has marked considerable advancements of the African
states. Many of them aspire to economic emergence in the near future.
Nonetheless, the continent continues to be a victim of endemic diseases and
insecurity that require a unified solution of the states.”
Obiang said it was a great honor for Equatorial Guinea to host the 23rd
African Union Summit at “a moment that is crucial for the world nations as they
struggle to find solutions to economic crises, security, hunger and poverty,
and climate change that affect the world.” He said, “The participation of the
heads of state and numerous guests in this summit shows the interest and
commitment that Africa and its partners have to find solutions to current
issues.”
A session on agriculture and food security under the slogan
“Transforming Africa's Agriculture, for Shared Prosperity and Improved
livelihoods, through Harnessing Opportunities” was held in the afternoon.
Source: African Press Organization
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