President Paul BIYA was warmly received by his French counterpart Franҫois HOLLANDE at the foot of the staircase of the Elysée Palace, with a very long handshake. The Head of State later joined the over forty leaders of African countries for the summit on peace and security in Africa.
Holding on the day the world woke up on the announcement of the death of Nelson MANDELA, the French President Franҫois HOLLANDE started by paying homage to the hero of the fight against apartheid. The South African Minister of Foreign Affairs Madam Maité NKOANA-MASHABANE and the President of the African Commission Madam NKOSAZANA DLAMINI ZUMA, both lauded the historic achievements of their compatriot. A minute of silence was then held in honour of the former South African President.
The French President then made his opening speech in which he recalled the various armed conflicts in Africa. He affirmed the intention of his country to work for the development of Africa and pledged to give full support for the setting up of an African force to intervene in crises areas. President Franҫois HOLLANDE equally explained the reasons of the current French intervention in the Central African Republic.
The Prime Minister of Ethiopia and the current Chairperson of the African Union Hailemariam DESALEGN took the floor to address participants on the need for peace and stability in Africa.
For his part, Herman Von ROMPUY, the President of the European Union Council insisted that the stability of African countries can have a direct consequence on the security of Europe, hence the need for Europe to ensure peace on the African continent.
The President of the European Union Commission Jose Manuel BARROSO talked on the link between security and development. He announced that the European Union is giving assistance of 50 million euros to the Central African Republic.
UN secretary General BAN KI-MOON made a clarion call for peace and security in Africa.
After the opening session, President Paul BIYA and all the other leaders were taken to the Ministerial Conference Centre where they held their first closed door session on the theme “Peace and Security”.
Later in the evening of that Friday 6 December 2013, President Paul BIYA and Madam Chantal BIYA attended the official banquet that was offered to the leaders of the delegations and their spouses by the French President Franҫois HOLLANDE and Madam Valerie TREIRWEILLER, the French First Lady.
