MINSK, 25 November (BelTA) - The Pan-African Parliament is ready to interact with friends like Belarus, Chairman of the Pan-African Parliament Fortune Charumbira said in an online meeting with Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Vladimir Andreichenko on 25 November, BelTA has learned.
“We invite you to attend one of the sessions of the Pan-African Parliament at any convenient time. You can choose any and inform us about it. Despite the fact that our Parliament is continental we are set to interact with friends like you outside the African continent. We are interested in the issues of agriculture. We know that you have expertise in both equipment and buses. We want to exchange best practices and are determined to develop cooperation,” said Fortune Charumbira.
The parties discussed the interaction between the National Assembly of Belarus and the Pan-African Parliament, the issue of obtaining the observer status in the Pan-African Parliament, the prospects of establishing a delegation in the National Assembly of Belarus for interaction with the Pan-African Parliament, as well as mutual support and possible joint initiatives as part of inter-parliamentary organizations, such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Parliamentary Network of Non-Aligned Movement, the CIS IPA.
“I can assure you that we are determined to sign a memorandum with the Belarusian parliament following this meeting. I see that you are very serious about it. In this memorandum we can make provision for your observer status,” said Fortune Charumbira. “That is important. As an observer, you will have the advantage of mutual exchanges, participation in mutual programs and work in different areas. You will be welcome at all meetings. You will be able to make a statement at any session. We are ready to work with you, ready to come to Belarus and sign the memorandum of cooperation.”
The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is an organ of the African Union. Its first session took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in March 2004. The PAP currently has 275 members representing the 55 member states of the African Union. National delegations usually include five delegates, including two women. The PAP is led by a chairperson and four deputy chairpersons representing five regions of Africa (Northern, Central, Western, Eastern and Southern). Together they form the Bureau. In June 2022, Senator of the Zimbabwean Parliament Fortune Charumbira was elected Chairman of the Pan-African Parliament.
Belarus prioritizes the development of political dialogue, the enhancement of trade, economic and humanitarian relations with the countries of the entire African continent.
