"In the name of Allah, Most Gracious and Most Merciful,
- Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
- Representatives of the member states of the African Union Peace and Security Commission,
- Representatives of the group of African member states of the Security Council,
- Representatives of the seminar's friends and partners,
- Representatives of the African Union and the United Nations,
- Honorable audience,
From this land, which has always embraced African causes, I extend to you my warmest greetings, and welcome you with the hospitality of a brother who is honoured to receive you in your second country, in the radiant city of Oran, which you have chosen as permanent headquarters for this seminar and the capital of the joint African action.
I welcome you to this event which, more than just a meeting, is a message of commitment, a message of unity, but also a message to the world that Africa is determined, united and capable of speaking with one strong, resounding and influential voice at the highest level of the international system.
Today, more than ever, this organisation needs the voice of wisdom, justice and commitment, at a time when it is suffering from virtual paralysis, reflecting the critical state of international relations.