Ambassadors Conference spotlights Africa

Minister Steinmeier will open the conference together with Kemal Dervis, administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, and Jean Ping, chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, and also give a speech. The four-day conference will be attended by a host of prominent figures from the world of politics, business and culture.

The closing event, which will also be open to the press, will feature speeches by Minister Steinmeier and former United Nations secretary-general, Kofi Annan.

As with previous conferences, one day will be devoted to business issues. Minister Steinmeier will participate alongside Dr Arend Oetker, vice-president of the Federation of German Industries, in a Business Forum. At this forum, representatives of some 800 companies will discuss with German ambassadors the opportunities and prospects for German business abroad. The forum is being held in co-operation with German business regional initiatives.

The ambassadors will also debate security policy, global and regional issues as well as cultural relations and education policy with both Foreign Office and external experts.