I am pleased to greet the Euro-African Forum.
 
Allow me to begin on a personal note.
 
As Prime Minister of Portugal, I had the honour to be co-chair of the first Africa-European Union Summit in Cairo in 2000.
 
As High-Commissioner for Refugees, I saw first-hand the solidarity of the African countries with millions of displaced people.
 
Now, as United Nations Secretary-General, supporting a peaceful and prosperous Africa is one of my priorities.
 
In fact, my visit to the continent this week is the reason I cannot join you in person.
 
Your meeting is a timely opportunity to further strengthen efforts to implement the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
 
Both agendas are fully complementary and provide a blueprint for social and economic progress across the continent.
 
The United Nations, the African Union and the European Union are strong partners in peace and security, development and human rights.
 
We remain committed to strengthening our cooperation in a spirit of solidarity and mutual respect.
 
Thank you for your leadership and your commitment.