Addressing the opening session of the 13th African Union Conference, held in the Libyan city of Sirte yesterday, the Emir said for the achievement of development, security and stability the presence of the political will was a must. He also called for efforts to uproot corruption, ignorance and disease, as well as upgrade education and health services and application of the democratic system and the respect of human rights.
The Emir underlined that the Arab world and Africa “are bound by strong historical, geographical, economic and cultural relations.” He also underlined the strong attention given to the African continent’s issues as well as the support for the African development drive and the enhancement of solidarity and joint Afro-Arab action.
In his speech the Emir thanked Libyan Leader Moammar Gaddafi for inviting him to attend the AU conference which, he said, is being held at a time when the world is suffering from the worst financial crisis in history.
The Emir expressed pleasure at meeting African leaders at this major event, hoping that the conference would succeed in achieving the hopes and aspirations of the African people.
On Afro-Arab co-operation, the Emir recalled a resolution calling for the strengthening of Afro-Arab co-operation adopted at the 21st Arab Summit Conference, held in Doha. The resolution also called for the continuation of efforts to remove obstacles hampering the revitalisation and development of co-operation between the two sides.
Expressing his appreciation for the African stances which support the just Arab causes at the international forums, the Emir said such support reflects the profoundness of bonds linking the two sides.
Concluding, the Emir expressed the hope that African people would enjoy the level of living they look forward to and which matches their resource-rich continent.
Later in the afternoon the Emir left the Libyan city of Sirte after attending the African Union Conference, held here at summit level.
The Emir was seen off at Sirte airport by Secretary General of the General People’s Committee Dr Al-Baghdadi al-Mahmoudi and Qatar’s Ambassador to Libya Mohamed Abdullah al-Subei.
