President Halonen met with the Chairperson of the African Union

Chairperson of the African Union Jean Ping and President of the Republic Tarja Halonen in the Yellow Room at the Presidential Palace. Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

Mr Jean Ping, the Chairperson of the African Union, visited Finland on 22-23 March at the invitation of President of the Republic Tarja Halonen. President Halonen received Mr Ping at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, 23 March.

Official discussions dealt with timely regional and international issues such as the crises in the Horn of Africa as well as preparations for the EU-Africa Summit. Also on the agenda was the state of international climate negotiations and preparation for a UN conference that will review the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

Europe and Africa have a long history and many connections, Mr Ping said at a press conference during the visit. The past also includes the history of colonies. "We are not looking at the past but are looking to the future," he emphasized.

Africa needs direct investment

According to Mr Ping, Africa needs direct foreign investment to develop. He believes that Finnish companies have a bright future in Africa. "I'm not talking just about Nokia, which is known around the world. Africa is a continent with a billion people and it is truly an opportunity"

The problem in Mr Ping's opinion is that many Europeans are investing in China, from which investments may end up in Africa. "Why don't you invest directly in Africa," he asked.

President Halonen pointed out that in addition to financial investments, investing in human capital is essential. Finns are looking for ways to combine these two types of capital, she said. This kind of economic cooperation is becoming increasingly popular, President Halonen added.

During the visit Mr Ping also meet with Speaker of Parliament Sauli Niinistö, Minister of the Environment Paula Lehtomäki, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Paavo Väyrynen and Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Stubb.

The African Union (AU) is an organization of 53 African nations that was formed in 2002 as a successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU). The AU's executive body is the Commission, which Mr Ping has chaired since 2008. Before that he served as Foreign Minister of Gabon and President of the United Nations General Assembly, among other things.

The significance of the African Union as a cooperation body has grown strongly in recent years. The AU has played a key role in increasing Africa's own responsibility for crises and conflicts on the continent. Africa now speaks more often with a single voice in international connections. An example of this is how Africa has acted together in international climate negotiations.

• Video of the visit and joint press conference
• African Union