Kagame shows the BRICS where AU Seeks Cooperation

Johannesburg   –      The African Union (AU) is interested in cooperation with BRICS countries in such areas as security and industrialisation, AU Chairman Paul Kagame said on Friday at the dialogue session of the BRICS Summit.

“We want to collaborate on key sectors including industrialization, infrastructure, as well as peace and security, which is at the heart of the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” Kagame, who also serves as the president of Rwanda, said.

Kagame noted that in order for cooperation between the organizations to be successful, the sides needed to develop mechanisms for coordination.

“What is most needed is a mechanism for effective delivery on agreed areas. Working together we will continue to be the principal source of economic dynamism in the years to come.

“I wish to assure you of Africa’s commitment to increased dialogue and active engagement,” Kagame added.

The ongoing summit of the BRICS countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, will conclude later in the day.

Also speaking, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, said BRICS will also benefit from the creation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is the project of the AU.

“We believe that the implementation of the agreement on the African Continental Free Trade Agreement will create opportunities for the BRICS investment partners to develop infrastructure and many other economic activities on the African continent,” Ramaphosa said.

The ongoing summit of the BRICS countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, will conclude later in the day.

The African Union, established in 2002 to replace the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), unites the countries of the African continent.

The union’s activities are mainly devoted to tackling poverty, and other socioeconomic and political problems of the African states.