Cyprus expresses its support for a prosperous and peaceful Africa on the occasion of Africa Day which is celebrated on 25 May.
"Happy Africa Day. Cyprus extends its best wishes to its African counterparts and reiterates its support for a prosperous and peaceful Africa," the Foreign Ministry said in a post on Twitter.
Africa is the home of hope, says UN Secretary General
The message the world must stand in solidarity with all Africans to enhance food security and make nutrition accessible to every person is being sent on Africa Day today by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "Africa is the home of hope. On Africa Day, we celebrate the enormous potential of this diverse and dynamic continent," says Antonio Guterres in the introduction to his message. "From Africa's growing and vibrant youth population, to initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, the decade of financial and economic inclusion for women and the African Union's bold vision for the future, Agenda 2063," he explains.
At the same time, it also refers to the multiple challenges that are preventing Africa from realizing its full potential, including the coronavirus pandemic and its devastating impact on African economies, climate change, unresolved conflicts and the severe food crisis.
On all these issues, the UN Secretary-General underlines that the war in Ukraine creates a perfect storm for developing countries, particularly in Africa. "This crisis is resulting in rising costs in food, energy and fertilizer with devastating effects on food and nutrition systems, while making it even more difficult for the continent to mobilize the financial resources needed to invest in its people," he notes.
After recalling that the African Union has designated 2022 as the Year of Food, Antonio Guterres advocates the need "to intensify our efforts to end the pandemic, reform the global financial system, fight climate change and silence weapons in all conflicts."
Finally, he assures that the United Nations will continue to stand proudly by Africa "as we work to fulfill the promise of a prosperous and peaceful Africa for all."
Source: CNA
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