The African Heads of Missions in Greece co-organized an online Africa Day Conference with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2 June 2021
On 26 May 2021, the African Group of Ambassadors in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs co organized an Africa Day online Conference under the 2021 AU theme ” The Arts, Culture and Heritage. Levers the Africa we want". H.E. Mr Nikos Dendias, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, honored Africa Day as the key note speaker of the online celebration.
Prominent speakers, included H.E Ms. Amira Elfadil Mohammed Elfadil, African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development; H.E. Mr Nicholas Yatromanolakis. Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports of the Hellenic Republic; Mr Spyros Kouvelis, Former Minister of State for Foreign Economic, Cultural, and Environmental Affairs of the Hellenic Republic; Mr Michalis Saris, Former Minister of Economic Affairs of Cyprus; Mr Sotiris Mousouris, President of the Hellenic Africa Chamber of Commerce and Development and HE. Mr Ismail Khairat, Ambassador of Egypt.
In her opening remarks, H.E Ms Beryl Sisulu, South African Ambassador and Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors stated that "Africa Day is a recommitment to the enduring Pan African vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa." Noting that Africa recently recorded history when the world witnessed the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This is one of the flagship projects under the AU’s Agenda 2063— 'The Africa We Want'.
In his key note address, H.E. Mr Dendias Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic welcomed the role of the African Union for promoting peace and prosperity on the continent.
He also said, “the African Union's achievements and one of the greatest endeavours of the Continent has been the creation of the African Continental Free Trade Area. This landmark development paves the way for Africa, with its 1.2 billion people, to become the world’s largest common market thus creating new opportunities for development and business across the continent.” The Minister highlighted the traditional bonds between Greece and the countries of Africa and the long-standing excellent relations they enjoy.
South African Embassy in Greece