LAGOS-
Following the conclusion of the 7th European Union–African Union Summit held recently in Angola, the Co-Convener of the Africa-Europe Tourism Exchange Forum (AETEF), Amb. Kazeem Akinola Balogun, has applauded the Joint Declaration adopted by leaders of both continents, describing it as a robust and progressive roadmap for Africa–Europe development cooperation. He also urged both blocs to ensure immediate and practical implementation of the commitments made.
Amb. Balogun noted that the declaration aligns strongly with the core mission of AETEF, which advocates for deeper collaboration between Africa and Europe through tourism, culture, and people-to-people exchange.
“At AETEF, we warmly welcome the Joint AU–EU Declaration, especially the sections that emphasize accelerated cooperation, sustainable development, and mutual prosperity between our two continents,” Balogun stated. “These commitments resonate deeply with the objectives of AETEF. In fact, they validate the work we began during our inaugural edition in Rome earlier this year under the theme ‘Bridging Africa and Europe Through Tourism Exchanges.’ Our forum brought together African and European policymakers, diplomats, and tourism stakeholders to advance exactly the type of partnerships highlighted in the Summit’s outcomes.”
The 7th Summit gathered Heads of State and Government of AU and EU Member States under the Co-Chairmanship of H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union, and H.E. António Costa, President of the European Council. Also in attendance were H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission, and H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, alongside several senior officials.
A group photograph of the 7th AU-EU Summit partiicipants in Luanda, Angola
This historic meeting marked the 25th anniversary of the AU-EU partnership, dating back to the inaugural 2000 Cairo Summit. It also revisited progress from the 6th EU-AU Summit held in Brussels in 2022 and the 3rd EU-AU Ministerial Meeting held earlier this year in May 2025.
Amb. Balogun emphasized that while the declarations are commendable, expectations among citizens of both continents remain high, particularly regarding the timely and effective implementation of the agreed-upon policies and development frameworks.
“Declarations alone are not enough. The people of Africa and Europe are looking forward to concrete actions, practical outcomes, and policies that truly enhance connectivity, mobility, trade, and cultural understanding. This is the moment to act,” he added.
In the spirit of advancing AU–EU cooperation, the Africa-Europe Tourism Exchange Forum (AETEF) has announced its 2nd Edition, scheduled to take place from 12th–13th March 2025 in Rome, Italy, bringing together government officials, development institutions, investors, tourism boards, and cultural leaders.
More details are available at www.aetef.org.
