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AFRICAN UNION UNION AFRICAINE UNIÃO AFRICANA Press Release Chairperson meets in Cairo with Prime Minister of Egypt Addis Ababa, 4 September, 2011 – The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Dr. Jean Ping, who is currently visiting Cairo, met, today 04 September, 2011, with the Prime Minister of Egypt, Dr. Essam Sharaf. The Chairperson commended Egypt for its engagement with the rest of the continent and its constructive role within the African Union. In this regard, he referred to the recent pledge made by the Government of Egypt during the AU Pledging Conference for countries of Horn of Africa affected by drought and famine. He also expressed the AU’s gratitude for hosting the AU High Level Retreat, for the second time. The theme for this years’ retreat was “Strengthening political Governance for Peace, Security and Stability in Africa”, making it relevant especially following the recent revolution in Egypt. He expressed confidence that the political transition process in Egypt was on track and hoped that it would successfully culminate in the genuine democratization of the country. Prime Minister Sharaf reiterated Egypt’s commitment to Africa, and expressed satisfaction at the Commission’s efforts to further strengthen cooperation ties between Member States reaffirming Egypt’s continued support to the AU. The Chairperson and the Prime Minister exchanged views on a range of issues of mutual concern, including the Palestinian question, the latest developments in Libya, , as well as the situation in Somalia and Sudan, and agreed to continue working closely together in search of lasting peace in these countries. Present at the meeting, among others, were: the Minister of International Cooperation and the Assistant Foreign Minister in charge of African Affairs, in addition to the Head of the AU Office in Cairo. END Office of the Spokesperson to the Chairperson, African Union Commission, P.O. Box 3243 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tel: +251 11 551 7700 Ext. 401 Mobile: +251 91 151 1723 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] .

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