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Opening speech by H.E. the President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. |
This year’s
Sullivan Summit is focused on the continent’s development objectives under the
theme of “Africa Rising,” and will address critical human rights issues as they
relate to food security, human security, freedom of the press, education,
civil-society development, gender empowerment, innovation and youth
development, and building economies of opportunity.
“The African
Diaspora is almost like another continent, and it can contribute to the
development of the African economy,” said President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. “The
developed countries need resources and Africa needs development.”
President Obiang
continued to say “It’s true we have problems but it also needs to be recognized
that we have reached significant progress in the areas of education, healthcare,
technologies, infrastructure and others. Equatorial Guinea offers great
business opportunities, good climate, and natural resources.”
Through
financial investments and the transfer of knowledge, the African Diaspora is
having a significant impact on African development.
Today’s Sullivan
Summit Plenary Session has focused primarily on reuniting the African Diaspora
in order to form key partnerships that will shape African growth.
Equatorial Guinea has been increasingly active in African affairs in recent
years. It has used its oil resources to provide emergency humanitarian
assistance to its African neighbors, and it has conducted a robust regional
foreign policy featuring bilateral summits, citizen exchanges, technical
assistance and investment promotion. It has also hosted a number of regional
conferences in its new facilities in Sipopo.
At the 2011
Sullivan Honors Awards, President Obiang Nguema
Mbasogo, who received the Beacon
for Africa award, discussed human rights programs in the context of African
integration and development, stating, “The positive effects of these
programs have resulted in an increased school ratio, life expectancy, malaria reductions,
as well as the progressive increase of technical and professional staff.”