Equatorial Guinea News

Ambassador Ambassador said Africa’s growing economic power is leading to social and political progress. He also called for stronger African participation in global organizations.

Plan supports country’s social development initiatives

The government of Equatorial Guinea has launched an environmental training program to form technicians who will work to ensure that Bioko Island’s environment and natural habitat are monitored in order to protect its biodiversity and the species that are unique to the country.

The program has trained 30 Equatoguineans through the Support Program for the Management and Conservation of the Living Resources of the National Park Pico Basile. The environmental training program complements the education and environmental awareness course, called EcoGuinea 2014, aimed at providing training for environmental monitors, which took place last month in the Papaya Cultural Center of Bata in which another thirty people participated. This latest course is the first course where students will be able to monitor the country's environment.

The program has been supported by the National University of Equatorial Guinea (UNGE) through the School of Environment, the National Institute for Forest Development and Management of Protected Areas (INDEFORAP) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and the nongovernmental organization Ecotono.

Scientists and environmental experts who have worked in and know Equatorial Guinea first hand have borne witness to the country’s unique nature and biodiversity. The West African nation has species unique to the country, such as monkeys, frogs, and the marine turtles that nest on the beaches of Equatorial Guinea. New species have recently been discovered, adding to the knowledge of the country’s biodiversity, from familiar species on land and in surrounding waters, such as whales and elephants, to other species, which have yet to be categorized.

The program is part of the government’s efforts to educate its citizens on the country’s natural wealth and to support social development initiatives in the countr.y The government works with foreign companies such as Marathon Oil, which has funded this program through the National Content Funds for the Social Development of Equatorial Guinea.

The government of Equatorial Guinea has reached a 75% reduction in maternal mortality, reaching its UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG) target a full two years before the end of 2015, the deadline set by the UN, said a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The report said, “Sub-Saharan Africa is still the riskiest region in the world for dying of complications in pregnancy and childbirth.”

Equatorial Guinea’s Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other agencies have carried out several programs to raise the health standards in the country, which has seen vast improvements over the last 15 years. These include initiatives to eradicate malaria, improve food safety, build and staff hospitals and local clinics, train medical personnel overseas, provide potable water and electricity, and improve public sanitation.

According to new UN data, there has been a steady progress worldwide in maternal mortality reduction. Equatorial Guinea is one of eleven countries with high levels of maternal mortality in 1990 to have already reached the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target of a 75% reduction from the 1990 rate by 2015. The others are Bhutan, Cambodia, Cabo Verde, Eritrea, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Maldives, Nepal, Romania, Rwanda, and Timor-Leste.

Equatorial Guinea has experienced significant economic growth over the past few years, and it has made maternal health and access to quality health care for women a top priority as it invests the income it receives from its natural resources. This milestone is aligned with the President Obiang’s national development plan ‘Horizon 2020,’ which includes many of the benchmarks set in the UN Millennium Development Goals.

The government is also leading a polio immunization campaign throughout the country aimed at vaccinating the nation’s children against polio following recent outbreaks. The country has been working with WHO, UNICEF, UN, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Atlanta, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and others to implement this proactive campaign.

The government of Equatorial Guinea has heavily invested its oil revenues in the country by focusing on improving education, developing human capital and diversifying its economy, Equatorial Guinea's Ambassador to the United States, Ruben Maye Nsue Mangue, said in a recent interview with Focus Washington.

Ambassador Nsue Mangue called improved education one of his country’s most important accomplishments since independence. “Since 1979, the government committed to develop professional education and human development. When we gained our independence, we did not have any universities, but now we have two universities, and the president is building another university in the new town of Oyala.”

Education has been a top priority for the government. Equatorial Guinean has an adult literacy rate of nearly 100%--the highest in Africa.. Since 1979, citizens of Equatorial Guinea have received more than 500,000 scholarships to study in universities and professional and technical-training programs outside the country. This figure includes multiple scholarship recipients and people who have remained outside the country.

The West African nation has also experienced significant economic growth, and it has learned how to best use its oil revenues from the positive and negative experiences of other countries.

“When we discovered oil in 1992, we learned from the mistakes from other countries…,” Ambassador Nsue Mangue said. “In 1997, the country organized the first economic conference, which was really a national consultation with all governments, political parties, civil society and community leaders to know how effectively and efficiently we could use the oil revenues. The first national economic conference established the goal of building human capacity, education and basic infrastructure for the development of our country.”

The country subsequently moved to a more comprehensive development plan that could be financed through oil revenues once extraction began producing sufficient revenue. The infrastructure and economic diversification the country has experienced in recent years are established in the Horizon 2020 development plan, which was established in 2007 to diversify its economy.

Rapid development creates its own need for adjustment and reform, and Equatorial Guinean President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has made legal reform a priority, including a new constitution that modernized the institutions of government.

“With this new constitution, we have the Senate, the Council of Republic, the Supreme Council of judiciary power, the Ombudsman, the socio-economic council of the Republic and the Court of Accounts” he said.

Equatorial Guinea’s success has encouraged many African leaders to visit the country and consult with the government on development strategies, but Equatorial Guinea offers advice with a light hand.

“We cannot impose other countries to follow our model,” Ambassador Nsue Mangue said. “Equatorial Guinea’s advice should be that every country sees its reality and also to seek good partners.”

Equatorial Guinea has achieved many of its goals because of the country’s unity and the good relationships it enjoys with its partners. “We have worked altogether regardless of our political orientation, and we have found good international partners like the United States, American government and American private companies.”

Equatorial Guinea and the United States enjoy good bilateral relations, he says, and the two governments work together well. “I have been well received by the State Department and we [the Embassy] are working together on issues of mutual concern to both our countries and people,” he said.

Roundtables bring government officials, students and U.S. experts together

Equatorial Guinea’s Ministry of Fisheries and Environment, the National University of Equatorial Guinea (UNGE), the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program (BBPP), and other institutions in the country participated in two timely environmental programs hosted by the Embassy of the United States in Malabo this month.

The programs, part of a series of Ambassador’s Roundtables, focused on ecology, conservation and sustainable development, both on the island of Bioko and continental Rio Muni. The U.S. Embassy in Malabo hosted the roundtables on May 6-7.

Dr. Santiago Francisco Engonga, Director General of Environment for the Ministry of Fisheries and the Environment, discussed the importance of conserving the unique biodiversity of the island of Bioko, and the country’s climate change, carbon emissions reductions, biosecurity and sustainable energy efforts.

“Equatorial Guinea is undertaking many initiatives to address biodiversity conservation, climate change, and sustainable development, among other things, because we are committed to improving the environment, mitigating climate change and conserving our biodiversity,” said the Director General at the first Ambassador’s Roundtable, which took place on May 6 at the Hotel 3 de Agosto in Malabo.

Dr. Engonga joined Matthew Cassetta, the Washington-based Facilitator for the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP); José Manuel Esara Echube, Dean of the Faculty of the Environment at UNGE; and Dr. David Fernández, In-Country Manager of the BBPP in a discussion of government regulation, the management of the country’s protected areas, the environmental legal framework in the country, and how UNGE and NGOs can assist them in their efforts to protect the environment. Following the presentations, the panelists answered questions from and exchanged ideas with many of the more than 100 attendees, including many students.

U.S. Ambassador Mark L. Asquino opened the roundtable in Malabo, which was moderated by Joyce Namde, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) of the U.S. Embassy. Sam Healy, a Regional Environmental, Science, Technology, and Health Officer based in Accra, was also present at the roundtables.

The second roundtable, held on May 7 at the Equatoguinean Cultural Center of French Expression in Bata, on the African continental mainland, focused on the forests of Rio Muni and issues related to their conservation and sustainable development. Mr. Cassetta and Ms. Namde were joined in this session by Director General Ramón Mituy Abaga of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Director General Fidel Esono Mba of the National Institute Nacional de Forest Development (INDEFOR), and Director Gabriel Ngua Ayecaba of Friends of Nature and Development of Equatorial Guinea Ecuatorial (ANDEGE).

Panelists discussed ecotourism, practical forest stewardship, and interactions between animals and Equatorial Guinea’s human population in Rio Muni, Equatorial Guinea’s continental territory.

The Ambassador’s Roundtable serieswas launched by the U.S. Embassy Malabo in December 2012, and is aimed at offering Equatoguineans an opportunity to interact with representatives of the U.S. and Equatoguinean governments, as well as a variety of other speakers, on important and topical issues including human and civil rights, culture and cultural preservation, and environmental protection.

The government of Equatorial Guinea has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ivory Coast and Ghana under which they will begin discussions to create a regional gas company.

Gabriel Mbega Obiang Lima, Minister of Mines, Industry and Energy of Equatorial Guinea, joined Adama Toungara, Minister of Petroleum and Energy of Ivory Coast, and Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Minister of Energy and Petroleum of Ghana, on May 16 in Abidjan, the Ivorian capital, to review the benefits that would result from this initiative. Those benefits would include new sources of revenue, job creation and greater access to this energy source for power plants, industries and households.

The governments of Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast and Ghana have agreed to share the cost of a feasibility study on the project in the coming months. The result of this study will guide their next steps.

During the meeting, Adama Toungara said, “I'm happy with the progress that has been accomplished so far to promote this project. I hope that all parties work closely to accelerate the completion of the Memorandum of Understanding for the next month, under which my Government will continue to work with our partners to fulfill our obligation as set forth in this Memorandum of Understanding.”

Diosdado Nsue Milang, Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, participated in the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) meeting and other sessions at the 67th World Health Assembly (WHA), held in Geneva, Switzerland on May 19-24, 2014.

The Equatorial Guinea delegation joined more than 3000 delegates from all WHO Member States at the WHA. The Assembly focused on the fight against tuberculosis, improving the health of newborn babies, prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, health systems, access to medicine, and the overall reform of the organization.

Minister Nsue Milang shared his country’s appreciation for the technical assistance carried out by the WHO on the emergency plan to address the epidemic of poliomyelitis while addressing the Assembly.

He also reiterated the commitment of President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo to overcome the health challenges of the country by strengthening the national health system,and he shared the country’s strategy, which has been in place since January of this year, to provide first aid and health care for all citizens.

Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Benin and Cape Verde were elected as committee members for Africa’s Regional Office. The delegation also participated in the ECCAS meeting in which the Democratic Republic of Congo, represented by Dr. Jean Marie Okwo Bele, was nominated to the post for Africa’s Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Director-General of Public Health and Health Planning, Valero Ondo, and the Permanent Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea to the United Nations, Anatolio Ndong Mba, were also part of the Equatorial Guinea delegation.

The government of Equatorial Guinea has implemented a number of health initiatives to improve the overall healthcare in the country. Most recently, the government launched a campaign to immunize the nation’s children against polio following outbreaks in the country. The government has been working closely with World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, United Nations (UN),Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Atlanta, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and others to implement this proactive campaign.

The government of Equatorial Guinea has announced that it will install a self-sufficient solar microgrid project in Annobon Province in partnership with three American companies: the consulting firm MAECI Solar, GE Power & Water and Princeton Power Systems.

“The solar microgrid will feature 5-MW solar modules and system integration by MAECI, an energy management system and controls from Princeton Power Systems and energy storage from GE,” MAECI said in a news release.

This project will be Africa’s largest self-sufficient solar microgrid and will bring significant benefits to the West African nation. It will supply Annobon Island with reliable, predictable power and will supply enough electricity to handle 100 percent of the island's current energy demand.

Chris Massaro, senior vice president of MAECI said that the project would both raise the quality of life and advance the Equatoguinean government’s goal of diversifying the economy.

“The Annobon Electrification Project will be the platform for economic growth on the island by bringing a much needed power supply that will enable the development of multiple industries, add 700 to 1,000 direct and indirect jobs to Annobon Island and significantly raise the standard of living,” said Massaro.

Annobon Province consists of tiny Annobon Island and has a population of 5,000. The Annobon Province currently has reliable electricity for only a few hours a day, but the solar microgrid aims to provide electricity 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“The project is a part of Equatorial Guinea's National Economic Development Plan Horizon 2020, which aims to make Equatorial Guinea an ’emerging economy’ and accelerate its development and democratization by 2020.”

Equatorial Guinea hosted leaders from the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) to discuss strengthening the community, the future of the ACP in Central Africa (especially after 2020), promotion of trade cooperation, and partnership with European community. The meeting was held on June 2-5, 2014 in the Conference Center of Sipopo in the capital city of Malabo.

In his welcoming address, President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo laid out the new challenges facing the ACP, which require ACP leaders to properly position themselves in an international context characterized by constant changes.

“The last decade has been characterized by profound changes in the world,” said Obiang. “The ACP's future is posed in this period of crisis. We must reflect on the future of the partnership between ACP and the European Union, an association that needs new policy changes in order to determine a partnership of equal and mutual benefit, without complexes. The question we must answer is if the context in which this organization was founded remains valid today.”

President Obiang said that the member countries of the community must work to provide a vision following 2020, the date on which the Cotonou Agreement regarding the association between ACP countries and the European Community and its member states. The Cotonou Agreement was signed in 2000.

“We must continue to strengthen the solidarity between our countries, adopting attitudes of justice and equity in order to attain a better position in the international arena, identifying ways to ensure our cooperation for basic development, in an open dialogue. Equatorial Guinea will continue to work tirelessly for equality of treatment and strengthening of the ACP group, with whom we share a common identity on the international stage,” he said.

During the meeting, ACP Secretary General, Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, said, “The ACP is not only defined by its cooperation with Europe. We are an intergovernmental organization with a coercive force of solidarity, cooperation and political dialogue among its States and that constitutes a potential at different levels.”

New frigate will help protect shipping and combat piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

Equatorial Guinea builds its first warship, Wele-Nzas, to strengthen the national naval forces and safeguard the shores of the country.

Its inaugural route was from Malabo to the Bay of Luba. The frigate has four main engines that reach speeds of 25 knots; rocket launchers and anti-rocket defense; an assault patrol boat and an airstrip for helicopters.

President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo chaired the unveiling ceremony held at the Port of Malabo. During his welcoming speech, he noted the importance of equipping the Navy with a new warship, given the geographical situation of the nation set on the Gulf of Guinea, where the country has experienced several cases of piracy.

The First Lady of the Nation, Constancia Mangue de Obiang joined Vice President, Ignacio Milam Tang, vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, Prime Minister, Vicente Ehate Tomi, presidents of constitutional bodies, and special guests, such as former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, and the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of East Timor, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao at the ceremony.

President Obiang also inaugurated a new Air Force barracks facility near the capital city. The modern installation consists of 294 apartments with capacity to accommodate officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers in an area of 80,000m², including a soccer field.

Equatorial Guinea participated in the U.S.-Africa Energy Ministerial (AEM) hosted by the governments of Ethiopia and the United States to provide a forum for major announcements and commitments that support energy development throughout Africa.

Under the theme “Catalyzing Sustainable Energy Growth in Africa,” AEM brought together energy leaders from Africa and the United States to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on June 3-4, 2014. AEM analyzed the effective ways for Africa to continue its development by looking for energy solutions that are sustainable for the environment.

AEM highlighted African leadership in energy development and explored strategies across Africa and the United States aimed at accelerating development of clean energy sources and adopt energy efficient technologies, review best practices in oil and gas resource development, and highlight progress on the President Obama’s Power Africa Initiative. Attendees also reviewed the progress of the Africa Energy Initiative, created by U.S. President Barack Obama.

AEM has allowed the opportunity for informal exchanges between the representatives of industries, businesses and governments, and the study of very specific sector issues, such as clean energy generation, rural electrification, development policies and oil and gas investment opportunities, among many others.

Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Mines, Industry and Energy, Gabriel Mbega Obiang Lima joined United States Secretary of State for Energy, Dr. Ernest Moniz, Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy of Ethiopia, Alemayehu Tegenu, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy of the African Union, Elham Mahmood Ahmed Ibrahim, Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, over 350 businessmen, professionals, and representatives of Governments and energy-related entities, including over 30 African ministers.

Obiang calls for South-South Cooperation

Equatorial Guinea’s President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo joined Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, heads of state and government, and representatives of major international organizations at the G77 + China Summit held in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, on June 14-15, 2014.

The G-77 member countries work together to promote their collective economic interests and enhance their joint negotiating capacity on the main economic issues, as well as promote South-South cooperation for development.

Under the summit’s theme “For a New World Order for Living Well,” President Obiang said South-South cooperation is a reality, and emphasized the need to strengthen this cooperation in order for developing countries to be able to support themselves through processes such as the creation of institutions to support their economic activities, among others.

Both President Obiang and Evo Morales, Bolivian President, stressed the importance of developing countries working together to improve their economies and protect their natural resources and meet the challenges and pressure from northern countries, since the southern states of the world are also the ones that hold the greatest potential for natural resources.

UN Secretary-General said, “The Group of 77 was established through the fundamental premise that all countries, big and small, rich and poor, deserve to have the same voice in world affairs.” He continued to say, “The G-77 has allowed the Southern part of the world to speak with a common voice.”

The G-77 is the largest intergovernmental organization of developing countries in the United Nations. It has 133 member countries. The organization was created on June 15, 1964, as a means for the countries of the South to articulate and promote their collective economic interests and enhance their joint negotiating capacity on all major international economic issues within the United Nations system, and promote South-South cooperation for development.

West African Nation hosts Conference for a Second Time

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea will welcome leaders from the African continent and around the world at the 23^rd African Union Summit (AUS) to be held in the capital city of Malabo on June 20-27, 2014.

Under the theme “Agriculture and Food Security,” the conference will serve as a frame for members seeking commitments to increase and improve agricultural production on the continent.

Agriculture and food security have been part of the conversation in past high-level meetings aimed at sharing the vision, goals and commitments needed to define African agricultural growth and build a transformation agenda for the upcoming decade.

These issues were discussed at the meeting in Durban, South Africa, held in March 2014, and the Special Conference of Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries, which took place between April 28 and May 2, 2014, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

In previous meetings, AU member countries have discussed the Agriculture Development Program (CAADP); the increase of agricultural productivity on the continent; strategies to combat poverty and reduce food problems through agricultural transformation; the creation and strengthening of agricultural associations and other entities; the promotion of trade in agricultural products; creating employment opportunities for young people in rural areas, among others.

Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon will attend the AUS. The Assembly of Heads of State of the AU will take place on June 26 and 27 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

Equatorial Guinea has built a modern infrastructure to support important international meetings. It hosted the 17^th African Union Summit in January 2011.

AU Chair Asks for Support to Improve Agricultural Production and Food Security

Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, African Union Commission Chair, inaugurated the 23rd African Union Summit (AUS) with the opening of the 28th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives' Committee (COREP) held in the Conference Center of Sipopo, located in Malabo Equatorial Guinea.

She urged all the delegates to support the initiatives aimed at improving agricultural production and food security, the two main themes of this meeting.

“We must consider specific actions among all countries and regions of the continent, to stimulate the agricultural business chains of value, identifying these with specific measures” Zuma said. “This requires the renewal of efforts in irrigation; seed development; access by women to land, markets and farms; infrastructures and improved trade within and outside the continent.”

The Chairperson also recalled the importance of improving the investment by African countries in education, skills, science and technology, in order to achieve development and build modern infrastructures, and pointed out that governments that have advanced the most are those that invest heavily in these areas.

The 25th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council began today and will culminate tomorrow. The Heads of State of the AU will convene at the 23rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, which will take place on June 26-27.

Equatorial Guinea’s minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Agapito Mba Mokuy, led the 25^th ordinary session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU).

During his welcoming speech, Minister Mba Mokuy said Equatorial Guinea is committed to defending African interests. He pointed out the theme chosen in this forum, “Agriculture and Food Security,” and made reference to the great challenges faced by the continent.

“Africa has abundant areas of fertile and arable land, with the highest proportion of young population and highest levels of human growth. However, Africa cannot benefit from its potential because it suffers situations of insecurity or lack of self-governance. This is a huge challenge in the context of the commitments to our citizens, who wish to live in a continent that is self-sufficient and able to provide and meet the basic needs of its citizens,” concluded Minister Mba Mokuy.

The

minister of foreign affairs concluded his speech asking the ordinary session of the Executive Council to include proposals to solve the problems of peace, insecurity and terrorism, among others, which he said, “continue to obstruct the economic development of the African continent.”

The Executive Council of the AU consists of ministers and special authorities designated by the governments of the states that make up the institution, and is the responsible body before the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

The chairperson of the AU Commission, Dlamini Zuma, joined Minister Mba Mokuy at the opening session of the Executive Council of the African Union, as did the executive secretary of the Economic Commission of United Nations for Africa, Carlos Lopes, who is also deputy secretary general of the United Nations; and the minister of foreign affairs and Cooperation of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Ahmed Ould Teguedi.

The presidents of Equatorial Guinea, Spain, Egypt and the Palestinian State, the vice president of Cuba and the secretary general of United Nations, among others, will participate in the opening of the session of the Assembly of Heads of State of the African Union Summit (AUS) taking place in Malabo on June 26 - 27.

The Year of Agriculture and Food Security will be presented by Rhoda Peace Tumusiime, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture on June 26. The study of the budget for 2015, and a series of technical analyses, including the Report of the Peace and Security Council, will take place on June 27. Other subjects to be discussed on the last day of the AUS are the Project for the Establishment of the African Monetary Fund; the Draft AU Convention for Transboundary Cooperation (Niamey Convention), and the study of the report of the president of the Republic of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, regarding the contributions to the African common position on the Post-2015 Development Agenda.

Government of Equatorial Guinea Provides Building to House UN Agencies in Country.

Equatorial Guinea’s President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, yesterday presented a new building, funded by the Government of Equatorial Guinea, to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who is visiting the county to attend the 23rd African Union Summit (AUS).

President Obiang recalled that the United Nations has spent decades working hand in hand in the development of Equatorial Guinea since the country gained its independence from Spain in 1968. He said that UN agencies such as the UNDP, FAO and UNICEF have been critically important in raising the standard of living and generally improving the quality of life for citizens of the country..

“Today we are installing the UN agencies with the donation of this building located in the same place where we are building a new city,” Obiang said in reference to the new district called Malabo II, where the new UN headquarter is located. “Although we do not count on unlimited resources, we believe that instead of investing in big nuclear and space fighting projects, we must invest in the power of humanity.”

Equatorial Guinea has forged a close relationship with the UN on several fronts. Most recently, the government donated thirty million dollars to the Solidarity Fund to Fight Hunger in Africa. During the UN building inauguration, the Director General of the FAO, Jose Graziano da Silva, signed agreements with the representatives of 26 African countries to implement projects with this solidarity fund.

Equatorial Guinea President Chairs 21^st Forum of Heads of State and Governments at African Union Summit

President Obiang reaffirmed the interest of his country in continuing with the guidelines established in the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and developing projects to help member countries develop more modern, economies, enjoy sustainable development, and establish modern and transparent legal and regulatory structures.

He made his remarks during the 21^st Forum of the Heads of State and Governments at the annual African Union Summit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea’s capital. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia and President of APRM, also chaired the forum and explained the work that the organization has carried out to help bring African nations’ laws into compliance with the guidelines.

The APRM was established by the African Union in the framework of the implementation of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). APRM aims to foster the adoption of policies, standards and practices that lead to political stability, high economic growth, sustainable development and accelerated sub-regional and continental economic integration through experience sharing and reinforcement of successful and best practices, including identifying deficiencies and assessment of requirements for capacity building.

Today, President Obiang closed the session of the Assembly of Heads of State of the African Union (AU). The secretary general of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, Egyptian President, Abdel Fatah El-Sissi, Prime Minister of Spain, Mariano Rajoy, among others joined President Obiang during the opening ceremony.

Equatorial Guinea’s President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, asked African countries to invest heavily in their agricultural sector to decrease their dependence on the developed world, ensure food security, and significantly reduce hunger in their countries. He made his remarks at the closing session of the Assembly of Heads of State of the African Union (AU).

President Obiang said that Africa should reorient itself to ensure its independence and security of African states through the safe production of its own consumer goods. “Africa cannot be content to continue with the current dependence on the economies of the developed world. Africa is sailing upstream against a dependency that prevents them from moving toward sustainable development. Africa should rethink its relationship with the developed world to reduce as far as possible the gap that prevents access to development,” said Obiang.

“The development of agriculture can greatly reduce this dependence,” he said. “Africa can ensure food security and significantly reduce hunger in our countries. Africa should heavily invest in agricultural development to transform itself in order to accelerate growth to increase production and productivity,” said Obiang.

President Obiang proposed to the African Union the establishment of a program that focuses on the organization and exploitation of markets to promote trade and food security and to eradicate hunger, malnutrition and rural poverty. This will also reinforce the fight against climate change and agriculture.

He said that Equatorial Guinea is already investing in its agricultural sector. “As part of our diversification plan, Equatorial Guinea currently focuses on [agricultural] production to achieve these goals. It is imperative to ensure the security and stability of our states, since agriculture is the most vulnerable sector in times of instability, war and terrorism.” said Obiang

“It’s no coincidence that this session focuses on the issue of agriculture and food security in Africa. We cannot talk about the development of Africa if there is no agricultural development to ensure food security and avoid lifelong dependence on imports of consumer products.”

He noted that Africa counts on the support of organizations focused on agriculture and ways to improve the sector, and urged continued support for those organizations.

“The African Union must recognize and financially support the structures of non-governmental organizations, businesses and institutions created in Africa to support agriculture, such as the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).”

Obiang linked democratic and economic development. “Africa must contribute to a democratic development aimed at achieving economic development of society and the welfare of its citizens. It must be a democracy that seeks conflict reduction, he said.”

Obiang also urged his fellow Africans to prioritize South-South cooperation, a cooperation that respects the principles of equality.

“The last decade has marked considerable advancements of the African states. Many of them aspire to economic emergence in the near future. Nonetheless, the continent continues to be a victim of endemic diseases and insecurity that require a unified solution of the states.”

Obiang said it was a great honor for Equatorial Guinea to host the 23^rd African Union Summit at “a moment that is crucial for the world nations as they struggle to find solutions to economic crises, security, hunger and poverty, and climate change that affect the world.” He said, “The participation of the heads of state and numerous guests in this summit shows the interest and commitment that Africa and its partners have to find solutions to current issues.”

A session on agriculture and food security under the slogan “Transforming Africa's Agriculture, for Shared Prosperity and Improved livelihoods, through Harnessing Opportunities” was held in the afternoon.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy Brey asked African leaders, including Equatorial Guinea’s President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, to consider his country a partner for growth at the assembly of the 23^rd African Union Summit, held in Malabo.

In a speech at the opening session of the Assembly of Heads of State of the African Union Summit (AUS), Rajoy told the African leaders that he was in Equatorial Guinea to ask for more trade and investment with African countries.

“I am not here to offer anything because I do not have anything that Africans cannot give themselves. I come here to ask that you count Spain as a partner for your growth. I come to ask for more trade and more investment between our countries, and I come to reiterate that Spain wants to participate in the rebirth of Africa,” said Rajoy.

Rajoy said that Africa’s growth offered Europe a path of recovery while it battled an economic crisis. Over the past decade, Spain’s trade with Africa has grown by 250 percent. “Our investment in Africa is still small, but it has not stopped growing, even during the crisis. It should be normal for Spain to have much stronger relations with this continent than what they are now. We want to invest in Africa. The more prosperous Africa is, the more prosperous Spain will be,” said Rajoy.

“Peace, democracy and economic openness have allowed Africa to move forward,” Rajoy said.

Rajoy’s visit marks the highest-level Spanish trip to Equatorial Guinea in 23 years. Rajoy and Obiang met Wednesday before the assembly began.

In addition to Rajoy, the Secretary General of the United Nations, presidents of Egypt and the Palestinian State, and the Vice President of Cuba participated in the opening session.

The 23^rd African Union Summit focuses on Agriculture and Food Security. The Summit will conclude this afternoon after a week of meetings.

Equatorial Guinea’s President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, will join African Heads of State at the inaugural U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit aimed at fostering stronger ties between the Untied States and Africa, both economically and politically. The summit will be held in Washington, D.C. on August 4-6, 2014.

Under the theme “Investing in the Next Generation,” the summit will provide an opportunity to discuss ways of stimulating growth, unlocking opportunities, and creating an enabling environment for the next generation.

African heads of state will discuss continent-wide issues, such as security and terrorism, with United States President Barack Obama and promote regional initiatives such as shared electricity. This summit will highlight America’s commitment to Africa’s security, its democratic development, and its people.

In a recent interview with Voice of America, Erastus Mwencha, deputy chairperson of the AU Commission, said the summit will provide Africa and the United States an opportunity to enter into a strategic partnership. He also said African leaders look forward to discussing with President Obama issues such as investing in the continent’s future and peace and security.

This summit is the first of its kind. This is the first time that most African heads of state will be in Washington, D.C. at one time. All but Zimbabwe, Central Africa Republic, Eritrea, and Western Sahara of the 54 nations of Africa have been invited and most are expected to attend.

President Obiang has led many youth initiatives in Equatorial Guinea and has made education, training and human capital investment a top priority for its government. Special attention has been paid to the next generation, and the government has promoted conferences and events around this subject. At the Youth Congress, held in 2010, attendees discussed the many challenges facing Equatorial Guinea's youth and formulated recommendations to address numerous areas of concern, including access to low-income housing and higher education for the country's citizens.

Anatolio Ndong Mba, Permanent Representative of Equatorial Guinea to the UN talks future of Africa

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