President Kufuor arrives in Sirte for AU Summit

From: Patrick A. Firempong, GNA Special Correspondent, Sirte

Sirte, Feb.26, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor has arrived in Sirte, Libya, to attend the two-day Heads of State and Government of Africa Union (AU) Second Extraordinary Summit on Water and Agriculture and Common Defence and Security Policy for Africa.

The Summit has been scheduled for February 27 to February 28. Accompanied by Mr Clement Eledi, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), President Kufuor was met on arrival by Major-General Abubakar Yunes Jaber, Minister of Defence and Member of the Libyan Revolutionary Council.

Speaking to Journalists shortly on arrival, President Kufuor said the two themes of the Summit were the most crucial issues for the effective and efficient development of African Countries. He expressed the hoped that the Summit would achieve the desired results for the Continent.

The Summit on Water and Agriculture would draw attention to the importance of the two sectors as engines of economic and social development and bring out clearly their potential to act as a catalyst to development in other horizontally linked sectors.

The Defence and Security Policy would ensure that the Continent's defence and security interests and goals are safeguarded in the face of common threats.

The objectives and goals of the policy are to serve as tools for the simultaneous enhancement of defence co-operation between and among African States and the consolidation of national defence. It would also eliminate suspicions and rivalry among African States, a factor that has traditionally engendered conflicts on the Continent and hindered interstate cooperation and integration in Africa. The policy would also promote mutual trust and confidence among African States.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Foreign Minister, who had earlier arrived at Sirte for the preparatory talks prior to the Summit, was among the dignitaries that welcomed President Kufuor.