United Nations, September 23 (RHC)-- The pro-tempore presidents of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the African Union (AU) held a meeting to build a strategic partnership, according to separate communiqués.  The event, described as historic, was organized by the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, as president pro tempore of CELAC.

According to the President, it is essential that both organizations embrace each other in a true spirit of cooperation for the benefit of the more than 2 billion people living in these two continents and regions.

Among the leaders present at the meeting were the President of Comoros and of the African Union, Azali Assoumani; the President of the Republic of Honduras and incoming Pro Tempore of CELAC, Xiomara Castro; the President of the Republic of Argentina Alberto Fernandez, and President of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat; as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Mauro Vieira.

They expressed their desire to deepen and strengthen relations between the two regions. This exchange is an excellent opportunity to foster a mutually beneficial partnership.

The European Union has also asked CELAC and the AU for a joint meeting to discuss how these organizations can act together to strengthen the multilateral system, within the framework of the UN and other international fora.