[ecr]

In a speech he gave on the clause relative to the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) report, during the works of the 45th session of the AU Executive Council (18-19 July), Attaf highlighted the necessity to “give these partnerships a global strategic vision in order to preserve our dignity, sovereignty and defend our interests and priorities.”

In this respect, the minister reaffirmed Algeria’s support for the draft of February 2023 defining the policy and the strategic frame for partnerships, emphasizing the imperative to make the African Union an essential party in all existing or future partnerships.

Attaf said that the current organisation and framework of the partnership network established by the AU with the outside world “jeopardised the credibility of our continental organisation, especially as this network keeps on expanding, without us, as member states, having any say in the matter.”

A true partnership, according to him, must be based on the principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect and common interests, he said, adding that these objectives should be defined by a common agreement.

“Where are these principles when 55 states meet in only one country? Where are these principles when the host country decides on the conclusions of the meeting without even consulting with its African counterparts? Where are these principles when we have no choice but to accept the donors' decision?” the minister of Foreign Affairs asked. [/ecr]