CAIRO: Some 80 African and European heads of state and top government officials are expected to meet on Monday and Tuesday in Libya for the African-European Union summit. The leaders will also be joined by around 50 observers from other countries and international organizations. The main theme of the conference will be to review the partnerships between the EU and Africa. According to the conference organizers, the African Union, they are expected to discuss future priorities for cooperation and the global challenges facing economies worldwide. Under the overarching Summit theme “Investment, Economic Growth and Job Creation”, leaders will discuss concrete ways to stimulate inclusive growth, to create employment opportunities, and to consolidate the recovery from the global financial and economic crisis. This joint response should lead to the expansion of trade, investments and people-to-people contacts which will benefit both continents. Within this framework, leaders will address other key issues including peace and security, climate change, regional integration and private sector development, infrastructure and energy, agriculture and food security and migration. Leaders will adopt a joint statement with the Summit's main conclusions and commitments, together with an Action Plan for 2011–13 that translates the Summit themes into concrete action. The Action Plan will build on the work accomplished since 2007 and reflect the shared determination to respond effectively to the challenges of tomorrow. BM
