International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane
has today concluded a working visit to Brussels, where she led the South
African delegation to the Fourth Africa-European Union (EU) Summit, which
took place on 02-03 April 2014, under the theme: "Investing in Peace,
Prosperity and People."

The South African delegation included Dr Rob Davies, Minister of Trade
and Industry and senior government officials.

The leaders from the two continents took stock of progress and challenges
over the past three years within the framework by the Africa-EU Action
Plan 2010-2013 that was adopted at the Third Africa-EU Summit in
Tripoli, Libya, in November 2010.

In the context of unprecedented economic growth in Africa and economic
decline in Europe, the Summit afforded African and European leaders the
opportunity to exchange views in order to  strengthen political and
socio-economic cooperation.

The leaders had frank and open discussions with a view to strengthen
partnership between Africa and Europe based on mutual respect and dignity.

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane stated that: "The Summit took place against the
background of South Africa's 20th anniversary of freedom and the African
Union's Golden Jubilee. Africa wants to develop a relationship that is
based on understanding of the changing dynamics of both partners and on
real partnership of equals."

"In this regard, Africa's aspirations which are encompassed in Agenda
2063, elaborate its plan for placing the Continent on a path towards
prosperity, peace and security and occupying its rightful place in the
global system," said the Minister.

The Summit adopted the 2014-2017 Road Map which sets out five (5)
strategic priorities and identifies the means to implement them in areas
of mutual interest i.e peace and security; democracy, good governance and
human rights; human development; sustainable and inclusive development
and growth and continental integration; and global and emerging issues.

With regard to trade and investment, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane stated
that Africa wants to set a new trade agenda based on partnership and
mutual benefit. Africa is developing its infrastructure and is embarking
in an industrialisation programme that will see the continent achieving
its ambition of producing and exporting value-added goods.

In this regard, the Minister stipulated that: "Consistent with this new
paradigm, we are of the view that  the Economic Partnership Agreements
(EPAs) we have with the EU should be developmental in nature and
reinforce the process of economic integration currently underway in
Africa."

The three outcome documents adopted at the Summit were the Brussels
Declaration of the Heads of State and Government, which is the main
outcome document for the Fourth Africa-EU Summit; the 2014-2017 Africa-EU
Road Map; and the Declaration on Migration and Mobility. These documents
can be found at http://www.european-council.europa.eu/eu-africa-summit-2014.

The Fifth Summit will take place in Africa in 2017.