Accra, Oct. 28, GNA - The second meeting of the African Union (AU) Ministerial Committee started on Saturday 27th October, 2007 at the Accra International Conference Centre to follow up on the implementation of the Accra Declaration of the Union.
The meeting, which ends on Sunday 28th October, 2007, was presided over by President John Agyekum Kufuor, Chairman of the African Union and Mr Akwasi Osei Adjei, Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and NEPAD and Chairman of the African Union Executive Council.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said President Kufuor called on participants to be constructive and committed during their deliberations and also work in a spirit of collegiality and frankness.
He explained that the outcome of the meeting to be submitted to the Executive Council would help that Council make appropriate recommendations to the next Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of States and Government.
"A successful execution of the task will undoubtedly assist our principals, the African Union Heads of State and Government to chart a cause that will enhance the prospect and aspiration of achieving the United States of Africa in our lifetime."
Mr Osei Adjei underscored the need to put in context the committee's work vis a vis the objectives of the Union government as stipulated in the Accra Declaration.
He asked the committee members to reflect on the preamble of the declaration, which focused on the need to accelerate the economic and political integration of the continent; the need for collective responses to major global issues and the creation of a common market built on common values.
