African and European leaders have concluded a highly productive AU-EU Summit in Luanda, solidifying their commitment to a stronger, more balanced partnership. Both sides emphasized that in an increasingly unstable world, their continents need each other more than ever, with trade forming the bedrock of this renewed alliance. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the deep existing trade links between the continents, while AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf pushed for a more equitable relationship. He called for European investment in local mineral processing and the lifting of trade tariffs to allow Africa to move beyond its role as a raw-material supplier. The summit culminated in a joint declaration focusing on critical areas such as multilateralism and security, setting a collaborative tone ahead of next year’s meeting in Brussels.
Forbes
