JAMMEH CALLS FOR MORE DIRECT CONTACT BETWEEN AFRICANS & ARABS

Thirty-four heads of state, seven vice presidents and three heads of government attended the summit that looked at how to accelerate investment flows into Africa, which has huge potentials, but is facing an acute investment gap. It also discussed the establishment of an Africa-Arab Technical and Coordination Committee on Migration to help protect migrant workers. It reviewed steps to promote economic ties between Gulf and African states and further discussed political and cultural issues which will lay the foundations for future work between the participating countries. 

Answering questions from journalists on his arrival, President Jammeh qualified as “successful” the outcome of the meeting, saying it is “one of the best”. He said this is the first time that a meeting is held and no contentious issues were put aside. 

“The fact that both the Arabs and Africans have now realised that we are supposed to work together for the socio-economic development of Africa and Asia is one step forward in the right direction,” he emphasised.

The president also suggested the need for the establishment of a permanent secretariat for Africa-Arab summit that will administer whatever they [leaders] have agreed upon.

“In the case of the Arab-Africa summit and Africa-South America summit, we should have proper structures that would administer and make sure those resolutions or declarations are implemented to the letter. And we have all realised that it is necessary and is long overdue,” he told reporters.

President Jammeh also suggested for triennial summit – every three years – to be reduced with a view to ensuring a closer engagement.

Proposed Africa-Arab Partnership Fund

Dilating on his proposed Africa-Arab Partnership Fund (ARPF), the Gambian leader said it is meant to be used to finance through proportionate contributions from member states that would provide loans at reasonable interest rates for projects in line with the critical objectives of the two regions.

“It is not going to be a gift, so anybody who wants to implement a project quickly you can access the funds based on your contribution or based on the scale of the project. You can access these funds as a loan and there must be a strict payment regime. If Africa has done that, we will not still be dependent on G8 which is not coming forward,” he remarked. 

He told journalists that this proposal was listened to and that the Foreign and Finance ministers have been tasked to work on the mechanism. “I think this is the best way of moving forward in a concrete and respectful way,” he concluded.