Liberia Government (Monrovia)
2 July 2009
Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is among several African leaders and Heads of Government attending the 13th Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, taking place in the Libyan town of Sirte.
The Session, which opened Wednesday, has as its theme, "Investing in Agriculture for Economic Grown and Food Security." It began with speakers expressing concern over the increasing economic and political situation facing the African continent and the need for action to sustain the gains the continent has made over the years.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Jean Peng, in his opening address, said the events in a number of African countries where unconstitutional means have been used to effect political change is a major source for concern. He said Africa needs to adapt a clear position on these developments which if not tackled, could reverse the progress the continent has made over the years.
Mr. Peng also painted a gloomy picture of economic growth in Africa, owing to the global economic crisis and called for a concerted approach to address the decline.
Representing United Nations Secretary-General, the Deputy Secretary-General, Mrs. Rose Aicha Migiro, spoke of the challenges Africa faces at several fronts, including economic and political challenges. The challenges, she said demand resolute action from all. The Summit, Mrs. Migiro observed was taking place at a time more than half of Africans currently live in extreme poverty. "We must use this Summit to mobilize action to protect the poorest and most vulnerable - and prevent more from joining the ranks," the UN official declared. She called for investment in agriculture because 'since time immemorial, agriculture has been the cornerstone of development in every region, not just Africa.
Agriculture investment, the Deputy UN Secretary-General noted creates jobs, adding, "It can make economic growth more durable, and it can increase food and nutritional security."
The opening session which has now entered its closed door session, was also addressed by the President of Brazil, HE Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, who is attending this year's Summit as a Special Guest. Brazil is expected to enter into a new partnership with Africa to boost agriculture and other economic activities on the continent. Libyan leader Muammar El Gaddafi, who is chairing the summit, reinforced the need for a united African Government, a move he described as the best approach in confronting the many challenges confronting the continent.
The Liberian leader and delegation arrived in Sirte, Libya, Wednesday morning to attend the 3-day 13th ordinary session of the Union. The President, accompanied by a number of legislators and some political party leaders, was met on arrival by senior Libyan Government officials as well as Liberian embassy officials accredited near Tripoli.
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