LUANDA, Angola — The seventh annual European Union–African Union summit opened in Angola on Monday under the theme “Promoting peace and prosperity through effective multilateralism.”
The two-day event marks 25 years of EU-AU partnership and coincides with the 50th anniversary of independence for Angola and several African nations. The summit is co-chaired by Angolan President João Lourenço and European Council President António Costa.
The EU delegation includes European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, while the AU is represented by Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
Strained Relations
The EU remains Africa’s leading trade partner, but ties have been tested by the growing influence of Russia, China, and the United States across the continent.
Speaking to delegates, von der Leyen stressed the importance of cooperation: “In a more confrontational global economy, Africa and Europe need each other more than ever before.”