STORY: 37th AU summit underway in Addis Ababa with focus on education, development
SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 17, 2024
DATELINE: Feb. 18, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:42
LOCATION: Addis Ababa
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the 37th AU summit
2. STANDUP (English): LIU FANGQIANG, Xinhua correspondent
3. SOUNDBITE (English): MOUSSA FAKI MAHAMAT, Chairperson of the AU Commission
4. various of the meeting

STORYLINE:

STANDUP (English): LIU FANGQIANG, Xinhua correspondent
"African heads of state and government are meeting here at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, for this year's AU summit from Feb. 17 to 18. The first decade has passed in the implementation of the continent's development blueprint, Agenda 2063. African leaders are expected to reflect on the work of the first decade and deliberate over the work of the second decade in the venue behind me. Besides, regional peace and stability, education and global multilateralism are also important topics, among others, for this year's summit."

At the opening session, Chairperson of the AU Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat said that despite challenges, the African continent has made progress in various sectors.

Voice of interpreter

SOUNDBITE (English interpretation): MOUSSA FAKI MAHAMAT, Chairperson of the AU Commission
"The African common positions have been strengthened on the issues of climate, reform of global governance, and financing of African peacekeeping missions on which success has just been obtained at the United Nations Security Council. This is the moment to express my grateful thanks."

Azali Assoumani, president of Comoros and chairperson of the AU, highlighted the crucial need for increased efforts to promote continental stability and development.

As part of the two-day summit, African leaders are expected to deliberate on continental issues, ranging from regional peace and security to continental development, the reform of the AU, and Africa's increased presence on the international stage, as well as boosting the continent's socio-economic and infrastructure integration.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Addis Ababa.
(XHTV)