BY MBONO MDLULI
EZULWINI– African and European Members of Parliament demonstrated the power of diplomacy and compromise during the final day of the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly, as delegates worked together to reach consensus on sensitive international peace and governance matters.
The discussions, held at the Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre (ICC), were led by Co-Presidents Hilde Vautmans of Belgium and David Houinsa of Benin.
Despite complex debates surrounding international conflicts and political agreements, lawmakers from both continents repeatedly stressed the importance of maintaining constructive dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation between Africa and Europe.
One of the key moments of the session involved negotiations over wording relating to the Ukraine conflict and the Samoa Agreement.
European representatives proposed retaining the existing text while incorporating language requested by African delegates concerning reservations expressed by some member states during the signing of the Samoa Agreement.
At the same time, European parliamentarians requested the inclusion of wording reaffirming the European Parliament’s position condemning Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Throughout the exchanges, both African and European delegates acknowledged the sensitivity of the issues under discussion while emphasising the need to preserve unity and progress within the partnership.
Speaking during the negotiations, delegates thanked one another for their patience, hard work and willingness to continue engaging openly despite differing viewpoints.
The atmosphere in the chamber reflected a broader commitment to parliamentary diplomacy, with leaders from both sides encouraging calm discussions and consensus-building rather than confrontation.
Several speakers praised the ability of the assembly to accommodate different perspectives while still moving forward collectively on shared principles relating to peace, international law and cooperation.
Delegates also highlighted the importance of ensuring that African concerns and positions remained fully represented within joint Africa-Europe resolutions and recommendations.
As discussions progressed, members from both continents gradually moved towards agreement through a combination of amendments, clarifications and negotiated language.
By the close of the session, lawmakers had demonstrated what many participants described as the true spirit of partnership between Africa and Europe — one based on dialogue, compromise and a shared commitment to peace and international cooperation.
The peace discussions formed part of wider deliberations during the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly aimed at strengthening collaboration on governance, development, diplomacy and regional stability between the two continents.
Post Views: 31
