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Addis Ababa March 01/2013 Ethiopia played key role in strengthening Pan-Africanism and also towards establishment of the OAU/AU, Chief Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Mekonnen Hadis said.
Prof. Mekonnen , who is also Chairperson of the National Organizing Committee set up for celebration of the 50th Golden Jubilee of the OAU/AU, said at a relevant discussion forum here Friday that the country played significant role before and after formation of the organization towards the same purpose.
He stressed the need to give recognition to the country's contribution to strengthening the Pan-Africanism and also towards establishment of the OAU/AU while celebrating the 50th Golden Jubilee.
Prof. Mekonnen said Ethiopia significantly contributed towards agreement of the Monrovia and Casablanca groups before the establishment of the OAU.
The country was providing financial, diplomatic and military training, among others, to Africans, who were struggling for freedom.
He said Ethiopia also contributed towards success of the objective of the OAU to end all forms of colonialism in Africa.
After the transformation of the OAU to AU, the country has continued contributing share to achieve the main goals of the AU to maintain good governance, fight against poverty, build democratic institutions and bring about economic growth, among others.
According to Prof. Mekonnen, the 50 year path of the OAU/AU was in general successful although some dreams had not become reality.
Prof. Mekonnen on the occasion called on in particular youth to exert maximum efforts to strengthen the AU.
The Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was founded on 25 May 1963. On 26 May 2001, the Organization was legally transformed into the African Union (AU).
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