Africa and Latin America have pledged to strengthen economic, trade, and cultural ties during a high-level meeting in New York.
The discussions were held between African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and a delegation from the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), led by Colombia’s Vice President Francia Elena Márquez Mena.
The meeting focused on enhancing investment exchanges, promoting multilateral coordination, and fostering sustainable development initiatives between the two regions. Speaking after the talks, Chairperson Youssouf highlighted the historic opportunity to deepen integration and solidarity among Global South nations.
He cited the growing partnership with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as a foundation for reparative justice in light of shared historical challenges.
“The upcoming second Africa-Caribbean Summit constitutes a pivotal platform for coordinating efforts and strengthening solidarity between the African continent and its diaspora, especially in the face of global economic and environmental challenges,” Youssouf said.
Vice President Márquez Mena emphasised Colombia’s commitment to fostering closer ties with Africa. She pointed to cooperation in air transport, visa facilitation, cultural exchange, and trade as key areas for promoting balanced and sustainable growth opportunities between the continents.
The discussions also addressed pressing global concerns, including racial justice, historical reparations, peacebuilding, climate change mitigation, and the promotion of multilateralism. Both sides called for closer coordination in international forums, particularly in New York and Geneva, to safeguard the common interests of Southern nations amid evolving global challenges.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to expanding political and economic cooperation. They pledged to build sustainable partnerships that deliver mutual benefits for the peoples of Africa and Latin America, while advancing shared objectives in international diplomacy and development.
The engagement underscores a renewed determination to strengthen South-South collaboration and highlights the strategic importance of Africa-Latin America relations in addressing the complex economic and environmental issues facing the 21st century.
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