Category: English

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Yambio’s new hub symbolizes dialogue and hope for peace

Source: APO – Report:

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The sound of drums echoed throughout Yambio as communities gathered to celebrate, their songs, dances, and laughter weaving together a powerful message of unity.

This spirit-filled Yambio witnessed the official handover of the Traditional Hub—a new center for dialogue, cultural exchange, and reconciliation, established with support from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

The facility, overseen by the Azande Kingdom, is a meeting place for elders, women, and youth to plan for a better future.

“Not long ago, we were divided by hatred, but now we are united in love, promising real transformation,” said Hellen Madiga, a resident of Yambio.

Hellen’s words capture a broader truth in Western Equatoria: reconciliation starts when people come together to speak and listen.

The hub offers a safe space for mediation and dialogue, fostering understanding and cultural activities to strengthen community ties.

“We hope to address cultural issues and resolve tribal conflicts by empowering community leaders, women, and youth to rise above political differences for the benefit of their communities,” said Odeta James from a local civil society organization.

Around the center, freshly planted trees stretch toward the sky, each carrying a story of hope and renewal.

“The trees symbolize unity and stability, reflecting our shared roots and our commitment to stand together,” explains Tadio Mario, the Prime Minister of the Azande Kingdom.

Rudolf Esombi Effange, a Civil Affairs Officer for UNMISS, described the initiative as a vital step toward peace and development in Western Equatoria State.

“This effort aims to help communities live in peace and collaborate on shared challenges,” he stated.

– on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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Eritrea: Capacity-Upgrading Training for Teachers

Source: APO – Report:

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The Central Region branch of the National Teachers Association has provided capacity-upgrading training to teachers focusing on addressing student challenges. The training was offered to 289 teachers ranging from kindergarten to high school level.

Mr. Daniel Mengisteab, Head of the Association’s regional branch, said that the training, which involved teachers from seven sub-zones, aimed to strengthen their teaching methodologies, particularly in identifying and responding to students’ needs and expectations.

In related news, a four-month training on artifact production has been provided to 93 women in the Anseba sub-zone. The training, organized by the National Union of Eritrean Women branch in the region, included 50 women from Hamelmalo and 43 women from Habero sub-zones.

Ms. Tirhas Nerayo, Head of Social Services and Projects at the Union branch, said that providing vocational training to women plays a significant role in improving the livelihoods of women and their families. She called on the trainees to apply the knowledge they gained to enhance their economic conditions and commended their dedication during the program.

The administrators of the sub-zones emphasized the importance of the training in improving the livelihoods of women and called for its sustainability.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Eritrea: Public Awareness on Safe Use of Medicines

Source: APO – Report:

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The Eritrean Pharmaceutical Association has announced that it will conduct promotional activities from 27 October to 2 November under the theme “When You Ponder About Health, Remember the Pharmaceutical Experts.”

According to Mr. Amanuel Arron, Vice President of the Association, the promotional activities, aimed at ensuring the safe use of medicines, will be conducted through national media outlets, social media platforms, and seminars.

Mr. Amanuel further noted that the activities, organized in connection with the National Medicines Safety Week, will address topics such as the safe use of medicines during pregnancy and childbirth, the effects of medicines on workers with chronic diseases, the role of youth in the safe use of medicines, and the control of side effects of HIV/AIDS medicines.

He added that the objective of the National Medicines Safety Week is to provide professional guidance, enhance public understanding of proper medicine use, discourage the use of unprescribed medicines and self-medication, promote correct storage and disposal of expired medicines, and discourage the use of medicines for cosmetic purposes. He also called on the public to actively participate in the effort.

The Eritrean Pharmaceutical Association, established in 1992, currently has about 400 members. Its objectives include developing guidelines related to the pharmaceutical profession, improving healthcare services at the national level, enhancing public awareness on the safe use of medicines, and building professional relationships with national and international associations to exchange experiences.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Eritrea: Declaration of Free from Female Genital Mutilation

Source: APO – Report:

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At a ceremony organized on 25 October, nineteen administrative areas in the Molqui sub-zone declared themselves free from female genital mutilation (FGM). The ceremony was attended by Ms. Leul Gebreab, Minister of Labor and Social Welfare; Ambassador Mahmud Ali Hirui, Governor of the Gash Barka Region; and Ambassador Mahmud Ali Jabra, Secretary of the PFDJ in the region.

Indicating that a task force has been established with a view to enhancing public understanding of female genital mutilation and its consequences, Mr. Zeray Berhe, Administrator of the sub-zone, said that as a result of the ongoing efforts, 61 villages in the sub-zone have declared themselves free from the harmful practice.

Mr. Tesfagebriel Gebreselasie, Acting Head of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare branch in the sub-zone, stated that efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation and other harmful practices have been ongoing since 2007. He further noted that the initiative has been carried out in collaboration with the Ministries of Labor and Social Welfare and Health, as well as the National Union of Eritrean Women and the areas administrations in the sub-zone.

Participants of the ceremony expressed their readiness to remain vigilant to ensure that the harmful practice does not resurface.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Climate Change Falls Over 20% Behind Top Global Concern in 2025, New IPSOS Survey Reveals

Source: APO


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Unveiled today at its General Assembly, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) (https://FSC.org/) reports a sharp slide in public concern for climate change, even after the hottest year on record. The 2025 Global Consumer Awareness Survey—conducted with IPSOS across 50 countries and 40,000+ respondents—find war and conflict (52%) now dominate public worries while climate change trails at 31%. That is a 21-point gap in the 2025 snapshot. Looking only at the 32 countries surveyed in both 2022 and 2025, the concern gap has widened from 12 points in 2022 – where economic hardship was on top position – to 16 points in 2025. 

Global highlights (beyond Europe) 

Forests as the “felt” climate impact: Issues such as loss of species, deforestation, wildfires, droughts and floods remain among the most pressing forestry concerns worldwide, underscoring that people experience climate risk very directly through forests. 

While concern about climate change ranks lower than other global crises, Canadians express strong concern about forest-related issues like wildfires — likely because they are a threat felt more locally. 

Rising concern in key markets: Japan registers a notable increase in climate concern since 2022, while Brazil also moves sharply upward — bucking the global decline. 

Attitudes at the checkout: Despite the attention shift, consumers still reward credible sustainability; demand for products that “do no harm” to plants and animals remains strong and continues to influence brand trust and loyalty. 

Europe: Declining Climate Concern in Key Economies 

The European results are particularly striking. Across France, Denmark, Spain, the UK and Germany, public concern over climate change has dropped by 6–10 percentage points since 2022. 

  • France: 52% → 45% (–8) 
  • Denmark: 51% → 41% (–10) 
  • Spain: 44% → 37% (–6) 
  • UK: 45% → 35% (–10) 
  • Germany: 42% → 34% (–8) 

These countries are among Europe’s largest economies and climate leaders, but public attention is clearly shifting. At the same time, the EU is pushing ahead with ambitious climate legislation — creating a disconnect between policy momentum and public concern. 

“This concern gap shows why we must work with the concrete realities of people’s lives if we are to address climate change effectively. The survey shows a clear contradiction: people report lower worry about climate change, and yet they reward brands that can prove sustainability. This disconnect between abstract concepts and practical choices points to a clear need: make climate action tangible in daily life,” said Subhra Bhattacharjee, FSC Director General. 

Forests Remain Where People Feel Climate Change Most Directly 

While “climate change” may rank lower as an abstract global issue in the 50-country snapshot, across the forestry module markets the impacts felt through forests—wildfires, droughts, floods, and biodiversity loss—rank among the top concerns within the forestry sector. “Loss of plant and animal species” and “deforestation” consistently appear among the most pressing forestry issues in those markets. 

Together, these results reinforce forests’ dual role as frontline climate arenas: they are highly vulnerable to climate change and essential to tackling it. 

Consumers Still Act on Climate at the Checkout 

Despite slipping concern levels, consumer behavior reveals strong climate values, with 72% of global consumers across 29 markets saying they prefer products that do not harm plants or animals. 

“Even if climate change isn’t always top of mind, people are increasingly voting with their wallets. They want sustainable choices—and they reward brands that can prove their impact,” said Helen Chepkemoi Too, Senior Director of Markets at FSC. 

Importantly, recognition of the FSC label correlates with higher levels of trust in brands, showing that climate-conscious choices are a powerful driver of loyalty and reputation. 

Africa Climate Change Highlights 

In 2025, the study included Egypt for the first time on Kenya and South Africa that was included in 2023. The results show that public concern about climate change declined most sharply in Kenya, down by 12 percentage points since 2023, followed by a 7-point drop in South Africa. 

“Africa has faced a year marked by conflict, economic strain, and social unrest. These realities inevitably influence people’s priorities,” said Annah Agasha, Deputy Director, FSC Africa. “Yet even amid uncertainty, sustainability remains a strong value across the continent. In Kenya and South Africa, FSC recognition rose to an average of 62%, up from 58% in 2023, showing that while people’s concerns shift, their commitment to responsible choices endures.”  

Why This Matters 

As wars, pandemics and inflation dominate public debate, climate change risks sliding out of political and consumer consciousness. Yet at the same time, people clearly want sustainable products and see the loss of plant and animal species as the greatest forestry related concern, with a majority expecting companies to ensure that their products do not contribute to deforestation.  

FSC calls for integrated strategies that address environmental action alongside social and economic security — ensuring climate solutions are not deprioritized in the face of crises. 

These findings are being debated this week at the FSC General Assembly, where global stakeholders are gathered to shape the future of responsible forest management and its role in tackling climate emergencies. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Forest Stewardship Council.

Survey details: The FSC x IPSOS Global Consumer Awareness Survey 2025 interviewed more than 40,000 people in 50 markets. Historical comparisons are based on the 32 markets that were surveyed in both 2022 and 2025. 

For interviews, please contact:
Faya Davranbekova 
f.davranbekova@fsc.org

About the Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC®):
FSC is a non-profit organization that provides a proven responsible forest management solution. Currently, over 150 million hectares of forest worldwide are certified according to FSC standards. It is widely regarded as the most rigorous forest certification system among NGOs, consumers, and businesses alike to tackle today’s deforestation, climate, and biodiversity challenges. The FSC forest management standard is based on ten core principles designed to address a broad range of environmental, social, and economic factors. FSC’s “check tree” label is found on millions of forest-based products and verifies that they are sustainably sourced, from forest to consumer. www.FSC.org. 

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Rwanda: Joint Communiqué on the Occasion of the Official Visit of H.E. Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia

Source: APO


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On 27th October 2025, Hon. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda, received H.E. Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, who is in Kigali for a two-day official visit. 

Both Ministers reaffirmed that relations between the Republic of Rwanda and the Federal Republic of Somalia are founded on mutual respect, shared aspirations, and a strong spirit of Pan-African solidarity. They noted that this official visit marks a new chapter in the strengthening of bilateral ties and the deepening of cooperation across all sectors of mutual interest. 

The Ministers acknowledged the positive impact of the existing cooperation across various sectors, including political consultations, investment promotion, police, and defence. 

The Ministers signed the General Cooperation Agreement and agreed to fast-track its operationalization by establishing a Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) to oversee the effective implementation of existing frameworks, and to identify new areas of collaboration, including justice, education, agriculture, ICT, and mutual legal assistance, among others. 

The Ministers exchanged views on the ongoing peace processes in Doha and Washington concerning the conflict in Eastern DRC. Rwanda also commends the work of Somalia at the United Nations Security Council in representing the interest of the Continent, through its continued engagement within the A3+ Group.

Finally, both Ministers agreed to enhance cooperation and coordination within international and multilateral fora to advance shared interests and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Republic of Rwanda.

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President hails exit from greylist

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa’s delisting from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist bodes well for the integrity and reputation of the country’s financial system, status as an investment destination and for the economy as a whole, says President Cyril Ramaphosa.

South Africa has officially exited the greylist after successfully implementing key reforms to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

“This milestone is a boost for South Africa’s international reputation and global standing. Greylisting results in a country being seen as risky for investors,” the President said on Monday in his newsletter.

Just over two years since the FATF identified deficiencies that had rendered South Africa increasingly vulnerable to financial crimes, the dedication of a multidisciplinary team, led by the National Treasury, has culminated in the formal exit from the greylist.

“Exiting the greylist demonstrates that our anti-money laundering system is beginning to act against corruption and other financial crimes. It lays the basis for further improvements. It is a signal of our collective determination to ensure that the malfeasance of the past is well behind us,” President Ramaphosa said.

The decision was taken at the conclusion of meetings of the FATF Plenary, which took place over 22 – 24 October 2025 in Paris, France.

“The practical implications are that countries have greater difficulties obtaining credit and access to international financial services. There is reduced foreign direct investment and even capital outflows, and restrictions on cross-border transactions.

“International investors seeking to do business in any country need assurance that its financial system is clean, transparent, robust and compliant with global standards,” the President said.

He noted that the perception of increased risk affects citizens and businesses financially. 

“The cost of living and doing business can increase as a result of a weakened currency. As international borrowing becomes more expensive for businesses and governments, there is less fiscal space for social spending and tax pressures increase. 

“Investor hesitancy leads to less foreign direct investment, which in turn impacts job creation and sustaining existing jobs,” he said.

The impact of South Africa’s exit from the FATF greylist will reduce pressure on citizens, businesses and government. 

Ultimately, the return of international financial confidence and a reduced risk perception will attract more foreign direct investment. 

“As our currency strengthens, the cost of living for citizens and doing business will improve. The far-reaching regulatory and institutional reforms we have instituted, as part of the FATF process, are a clear demonstration of South Africa’s commitment to improving the business and investor climate, and to ongoing reform.

“Legislative amendments have been made to enable for more stringent reporting regulations around beneficial ownership. This is so we know who ultimately owns, controls and benefits from a company, not just those who are listed as shareholders on paper,” the President said.

These changes will make it much more difficult for individuals and syndicates to funnel the proceeds of their corrupt activities through complex webs of shell companies, trusts and companies owned by friends and relatives.

“To close high-risk loopholes around terrorism financing, we have introduced regulatory amendments to enable the investigation and prosecution of such cases. We are committing more government spending to countering money laundering and terrorism financing.

“The State Capture era led to a near hollowing out of State capacity and the weakening of key institutions involved in upholding the integrity of our financial system. But we are steadily rebuilding them.

“Exiting the greylist demonstrates that our anti-money laundering system is beginning to act against corruption and other financial crimes. It lays the basis for further improvements. It is a signal of our collective determination to ensure that the malfeasance of the past is well behind us,” the President stressed.

He recognised that much work remains to be done to reduce and prevent financial crimes, and ensure speedier investigations, prosecutions and convictions of those committing such crimes.

“With the necessary regulatory frameworks in place, our focus must now be on improving and strengthening implementation. We will also sustain enforcement within both public and private institutions and deepen international collaboration,” the President said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and Indonesia Exim Bank Sign Letter of Intent to Strengthen Cooperation in Shariah-Compliant Investment and Support Indonesia’s Financial Sector

Source: APO – Report:

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The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (https://ICD-PS.org/), the private sector arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, and Indonesia Eximbank today announced the signing of a landmark Letter of Intent (LOI) expressing their intention to explore a potential  USD 30 million Line of Finance (LoF) facility to be extended by ICD to Indonesia Eximbank (the “Facility”).

The proposed Facility is intended to be used by Indonesia Eximbank for onward financing of eligible private sector enterprises whose operations have strong development impact in Indonesia. In deploying the Facility, there will be strong focus on supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and large corporates whose operations have the potential of boosting national export performance and the growth and development of export-oriented halal industries in Indonesia thereby driving economic growth and strengthening national development.

Following the signing of the LOI, Mohammad Asheque Moyeed, Acting Director of Banking Department of ICD commented:

“This proposed LOF facility is not just another financing line; it is a landmark shariah compliant transaction designed to increase access to capital and open new opportunities for private sector growth and development in Indonesia. The Facility aims to unlock new opportunities and serve as a catalyst for attracting greater participation from investors and financiers in our member countries and other international markets into the dynamic Indonesia’s economy. It reinforces our commitment to expanding and diversifying Islamic finance globally.”

Indonesia Eximbank expressed its appreciation for ICD’s proactive engagement, emphasizing that the proposed Facility will be efficiently channeled to finance eligible businesses, unlocking new opportunities for Indonesian enterprises and contributing to the advancement of export-oriented halal businesses and the growth of the Islamic finance industry in Indonesia.

Anwar Harsono, Managing Director of Finance, Operations, & Information Technology of Indonesia Eximbank said:

“This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to strengthening Indonesia’s export sector and expanding SME access to financing. We believe this Facility will support the growth of export-oriented halal industries and further strengthen Indonesia Eximbank’s role as the Special Mission Vehicle of the Ministry of Finance in promoting national businesses, particularly halal products, in the international market.”

ICD has a strong track record of providing Line of Finance facilities to financial institutions across its 56 member countries. This partnership with Indonesia Eximbank represents a strategic step in expanding ICD’s footprint and growing impact in its member countries within the ASEAN region and promoting inclusive and sustainable private sector growth.

– on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).

Media Contact:
Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD)
Nabil Al-Alami
Manager, Communication & Corporate Marketing, ICD
Email: nalami@isdb.org

Indonesia Eximbank
Corporate Secretary – Indonesia Eximbank
Ph: (021) 39503600
Email: corpsec@indonesiaeximbank.go.id
Web: www.IndonesiaEximbank.go.id

About the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD):
The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) is a multilateral development financial institution that supports the economic development of its member countries. ICD is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group with an authorized capital of $4 billion, ICD’s shareholders include the IsDB, 56 member countries, and five public financial institutions. ICD’s mandate is to promote  the economic development of its member countries by financing and encouraging the establishment, expansion and modernization of private sector enterprises and projects in its member countries, promoting competition and entrepreneurship, and encouraging cross-border investments.  The ICD is currently rated ‘A2’ by Moody’s, ‘A+’ by Fitch, and ‘A’ by S&P. For More information on ICD visit: https://ICD-PS.org/.

About Indonesia Exim Bank:
Established under Law No. 2/2009, Indonesia Eximbank is a financial institution wholly owned by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia. Its primary objective is to enhance national export growth and support exporters in expanding their business capacity.

Indonesia Eximbank is committed to promoting Indonesian exporters as respected global players, offering world-class export products and services to international markets.

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New discovery reveals chimpanzees in Uganda use flying insects to tend their wounds

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Kayla Kolff, Postdoctoral researcher, Osnabrück University

Animals respond to injury in many ways. So far, evidence for animals tending wounds with biologically active materials is rare. Yet, a recent study of an orangutan treating a wound with a medicinal plant provides a promising lead.

Chimpanzees, for example, are known to lick their wounds and sometimes press leaves onto them, but these behaviours are still only partly understood. We still do not know how often these actions occur, whether they are deliberate, or how inventive chimpanzees can be when responding to wounds.

Recent field observations in Uganda, east Africa, are now revealing intriguing insights into how these animals cope with wounds.

Read more: Inside the chimpanzee medicine cabinet: we’ve found a new way chimps treat wounds with plants

As a primatologist, I am fascinated by the cognitive and social lives of chimpanzees, and by what sickness-related behaviours can reveal about the evolutionary origins of care and empathy in people. Chimpanzees are among our closest living relatives, and we can learn so much about ourselves through understanding them.

In our research based in Kibale National Park, Uganda, chimpanzees have been seen applying insects to their own open wounds on five occasions, and in one case to another individual.

Behaviours like insect application show that chimpanzees are not passive when wounded. They experiment with their environment, sometimes alone and occasionally with others. While we should not jump too quickly to call this “medicine”, it does show that they are capable of responding to wounds in inventive and sometimes cooperative ways.

Each new insight adds reveals more about chimpanzees, offering glimpses into the shared evolutionary roots of our own responses to injury and caregiving instincts.

First catch your insect

We saw the insect applications by chance while observing and recording their behaviour in the forest, but paid special attention to chimpanzees with open wounds.

Insect application by subadult Damien.

In all observed cases, the sequence of actions seemed deliberate. A chimpanzee caught an unidentified flying insect, immobilised it between lips or fingers, and pressed it directly onto an open wound. The same insect was sometimes reapplied several times, occasionally after being held briefly in the mouth, before being discarded. Other chimpanzees occasionally watched the process closely, seemingly with curiosity.

Most often the behaviour was directed at the chimpanzee’s own open wound. However, in one rare instance, an adolescent female applied an insect to her brother’s wound. A study on the same community has shown that chimpanzees also dab the wounds of unrelated members with leaves, prompting the question of whether insect application of these chimpanzees, too, might extend beyond family members. Acts of care, whether directed towards family or others, can reveal the early foundations of empathy and cooperation.

The observed sequence closely resembles the insect applications seen in Central chimpanzees in Gabon, Africa. The similarity suggests that insect application may represent a more widespread behaviour performed by chimpanzee than previously recognised.

Read more: A chimpanzee cultural collapse is underway, and it’s driven by humans

The finding from Kibale National Park broadens our view of how chimpanzees respond to wounds. Rather than leaving wounds unattended, they sometimes act in ways that appear deliberate and targeted.

Chimpanzee first aid?

The obvious question is what function this behaviour might serve. We know that chimpanzees deliberately use plants in ways that can improve their health: swallowing rough leaves that help expel intestinal parasites or chewing bitter shoots with possible anti-parasitic effects.

Insects, however, are a different matter. Pressing insects onto wounds has not yet been shown to speed up healing or reduce infection. Many insects do produce antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory substances, so the possibility is there, but scientific testing is still needed.

For now, what we can say is that the behaviour appears to be targeted, patterned and deliberate. The single case of an insect being applied to another individual is especially intriguing. Chimpanzees are highly social animals, but active helping is relatively rare. Alongside well-known behaviours such as grooming, food sharing, and support in fights, applying an insect to a sibling’s wound hints at another form of care, one that goes beyond maintaining relationships to possibly improving the other’s physical condition.

Adult male Wayne (right) observing adult male Garrison (left). Kayla Kolff, Author provided (no reuse)

Big questions

This behaviour leaves us with some big questions. If insect application proves medicative, it could explain why chimpanzees do it. This in turn raises the question of how the behaviour arises in the first place: do chimpanzees learn it by observing others, or does it emerge more spontaneously? From there arises the question of selectivity – are they choosing particular flying insects, and if so, do others in the group learn to select the same ones?

In human traditional medicine (entomotherapy), flying insects such as honeybees and blowflies are valued for their antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory effects. Whether the insects applied by chimpanzees provide similar benefits is still to be investigated.

Finally, if chimpanzees are indeed applying insects with medicinal value and sometimes placing them on the wounds of others, this could represent active helping and even prosocial behaviour. (The term is used to describe behaviours that benefit others rather than the individual performing them.)

Watching chimpanzees in Kibale National Park immobilise a flying insect and gently press it onto an open wound reminds us how much there is still to learn about their abilities. It also adds to the growing evidence that the roots of care and healing behaviours extend much further back in evolutionary time.

If insect applications prove to be medicinal, this adds to the importance of safeguarding chimpanzees and their habitats. In turn, these habitats protect the insects that can contribute to chimpanzee well-being.

– New discovery reveals chimpanzees in Uganda use flying insects to tend their wounds
– https://theconversation.com/new-discovery-reveals-chimpanzees-in-uganda-use-flying-insects-to-tend-their-wounds-267301

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President Ramaphosa calls for enhanced ASEAN-AU cooperation

Source: Government of South Africa

By Neo Bodumela

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a strengthened strategic alliance between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and African Union as two major blocs in the global South. 

The President was delivering remarks at the 20th East Asia Summit during a Working Visit to Malaysia.

The two regional blocs represent billions of people with countries within the groupings still considered developing or emerging nations.

“The world is undergoing profound change and uncertainty. We face crises of climate change, inequality and geopolitical instability. Rising protectionism, supply chain disruptions and unequal access to markets continue to undermine development prospects. These challenges demand coordinated responses and innovative partnerships.

“We see great potential in strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and the African Union. These platforms can serve as vehicles for enhanced connectivity, economic resilience and peacebuilding across and between our regions,” President Ramaphosa said.

He noted that ASEAN’s ethos of “mutual upliftment and regional solidarity is one we share” adding that it resonates with “South Africa’s values and those embedded in the African Union”. 

The President emphasised that increased trade is one of the tools that can be used by both blocs to drive prosperity.

“Throughout history, trade has been a powerful instrument of economic growth and social progress.

“We must therefore increase mutually beneficial trade by improving market access, reducing non-tariff barriers and enhancing trade connectivity between our regions,” he said.

President Ramaphosa highlighted that cooperation can lead to the development of “solutions to the challenges we all face as developing economies”.

“Together, we can defend multilateralism and address critical issues such as climate change, development and resolution of conflict. We must seize this moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to multilateralism and to deepen our partnerships.

“We must honour the legacy of Band building a future defined by unity, dignity and progress,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za