Maseru __ African and European leaders have committed to strengthening cooperation on peace, trade, infrastructure development and climate resilience following the conclusion of the 7th African Union (AU)-European Union (EU) Summit in Angola on Tuesday.

The two-day summit themed:"Promoting peace and prosperity through effective multilateralism", co-chaired by Angolan President João Lourenço and European Council President António Costa, marked the 25th anniversary of the AU-EU partnership.

Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane was among the heads of states and governments who attended the summit.

According to the summit communique the leaders adopted a joint declaration reaffirming support for multilateralism, international law and collective action to address global crises.

The summit placed particular emphasis on conflict zones across Africa and the Middle East.

Leaders expressed deep concern over the escalating war in Sudan, condemning atrocities committed in El-Fasher and backing a peace process being led by the AU and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

“We express deep concern about the situation in Sudan and reaffirm our support for an AU-IGAD-led, Sudanese-owned political process towards a unified and civilian transition,” the communique read.

The leaders also pledged continued support for peace efforts in South Sudan where fragile governance has stalled progress.

Moreover, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the declaration reaffirmed commitment to implementing UN Security Council resolutions and AU-led mediation amid ongoing violence in the east of the country.

The leaders also underscored the need for lasting peace in Somalia and the Sahel, regions plagued by insurgencies and humanitarian crises.

On the other hand, the leaders reiterated calls for a comprehensive resolution to the conflict in the occupied Palestinian Territory, stressing the urgency of humanitarian access and political dialogue.

Apart from security, the summit advanced economic cooperation through the Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package, which mobilises public and private funds for infrastructure, energy and digital connectivity.

Leaders welcomed the expansion of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development into Africa and reaffirmed support for the African Continental Free Trade Area to boost regional integration and diversify exports.

They also highlighted debt relief and reform of the international financial architecture, calling for more transparent restructuring mechanisms and reduced borrowing costs for African states.

Meanwhile the declaration further emphasised sustainable agriculture, food security and climate-resilient agricultural and transport systems, including the development of the Lobito corridor under the AU's Agenda 2063.

Regular summits between European and African leaders began in 2000 with the first Europe–Africa summit in Cairo. Since then, AU–EU summits have provided an overarching political framework for the partnership between the two unions.

The 7th summit follows the 6th AU-EU summit which took place in Brussels on February 17-18 2022 and adopted a Joint Vision for 2030 intended to renew the relationship around shared priorities such as peace, security and sustainable development.

The 8th AU-EU Summit is scheduled for Brussels to review progress and chart future priorities.