According to the NEPAD Secretariat, the Libyan leader and Chairperson of the African Union, Col. Mouamar Gaddafi said today in Midrand that the integration of NEPAD into the structures and the processes of the African Union was the best way to strengthen the institution and make its impact felt by all Africans.
In his remarks at the opening of the 37th meeting of the NEPAD Steering Committee of NEPAD, Col. Gaddafi said that once the integration was completed, NEPAD will serve as one of the four pillars of the African Union which includes the new African Union Authority.
Stating that NEPAD had become a well-known brand across the world, Col. Gaddafi said he would propose the formation of a NEPAD Executive Council and the Africa Defense Council at the next Summit of African Heads of State. He said there was a need to defend and protect Africa’s economic zones.
The 37th meeting of the Steering Committee of NEPAD will discuss an experts’ report on the modalities of integration of NEPAD into the structures of African Union, as well as the progress towards the goal of a United States of Africa.
In his welcoming remarks, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of NEPAD Secretariat, Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, acknowledged Col. Gaddafi’s long-standing commitment to African integration and unity. Dr. Mayaki said the visit of the Chairperson of the African Union to the meeting of the NEPAD Steering Committee was an indication of his confidence, commitment and belief in the African development initiative.
The 37th Steering Committee will end on Wednesday 13th May 2009.
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Louis Napo, Media Manager,
Tel: +27 11 256 3600,
Mobile: +27 83 440 4518,
Email: Louisg@nepad.org
