EUROPEAN UNION EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY- EUROPEAN ...

EUROPEAN UNION EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY- EUROPEAN UNION PRESS RELEASE EAC-EU Political Dialogue: Arusha, 11 February 2015 The Secretary-General of the East African Community (EAC) and European Union Ambassadors accredited to the United Republic of Tanzania held a Political Dialogue meeting on 11 February 2015 in Arusha, the United Republic of Tanzania. The political dialogue takes place within the framework of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement between the EU and the African, Caribbean and Pacific states, to which the Regional Organisations are associated. The meeting was co-chaired by Ambassador Dr. Richard Sezibera, Secretary General of the East African Community and Ambassador Filiberto Ceriani Sebregondi, Head of the EU Delegation to Tanzania and the EAC. The Ambassadors and representatives from the Embassies of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom and senior officials from the EAC Secretariat participated in the dialogue. The parties reviewed the political situation in the countries of the sub-region, discussed EAC interventions towards the promotion of good governance, and deliberated on the preparations for observation of forthcoming elections in the Partner States. The parties exchanged views on ways to promote peace and security in the region, including the programs for countering terrorism, armed groups, piracy and drugs and human trafficking; the implementation of programs under the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the way forward for the period ahead. They also discussed the challenges facing the eastern Africa region, including sub-regional conflicts with a focus on the Great Lakes. The EAC and EU also exchanged views on global issues, including the EU economic/financial situation, the fight against extremism as well as instability in Ukraine and Syria. The EAC and EU reaffirmed their resolve to work together to advance peace and stability and to promote equitable growth and development in the region. They reiterated their commitment to cooperation and dialogue to further strengthen and deepen the regional integration agenda of the EAC.

EUROPEAN UNION In concluding the dialogue, Ambassador Sebregondi expressed his satisfaction for the level of cooperation between the EU and the EAC. He said: "I am pleased by the increasing cooperation between the EU and the EAC and we are keen to support democratic processes in the EAC Partners States through EAC Electoral Observation Missions. The European Union will continue to support the East African Community, building on the achievements of a long-lasting engagement to foster the EAC Custom Union and Common Market, as well as to promote democratic governance and peace” On his part the EAC Secretary General, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera expressed the Community’s appreciation for the continued support from the European Union. He reiterated that the support is integral to EAC’s efforts towards attaining its objective of an economically, socially and politically integrated East Africa

For more information, please contact: Ms Luana Reale, Head of Political Press and Information Section, Delegation of the European Union to Tanzania Email: [email protected] Direct Line: +255 22 2164503 Website: http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/tanzania/index_en.htm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanUnionTanzania Mr Owora Richard Othieno, Head of Department; Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, East African Community Secretariat Direct Line: +255 784 835021 Email: [email protected] Website: www.eac.int