Prime Minister Fiala’s Speech at the EU–African Union Summit in Angola

Prime Minister Petr Fiala delivered a speech at the EU–African Union Summit in Luanda, Angola, 24th November 2025.

Dear Colleagues, Excellencies and partners,

It is great honor to be at this summit, which is a significant moment in the relationships between EU and the African Union.

Africa is a key partner for Europe. Czechia is ready to be active in the development of fair, practical and beneficial partnership between our two continents. A partnership, which will deliver concrete results for both sides.

I am sure that we should make our cooperation deeper. Especially in two priority areas: security and prosperity in both Africa and Europe.

Security on our continents are connected. We must join our forces in finding peaceful solutions to current deadly conflicts – for example in Sudan, Somalia, or the Great Lakes Region.

The EU shares the concerns about expanding terrorist activities in the African continent. European partners are ready to support the African Union in counter-terrorism solutions and mechanisms.

For decades, the EU has demonstrated its commitment to Africa´s security – and Czechia is part of the effort.

For more than a decade, Czechia helps building the capacities of African armed forces.

I am also proud that the Czech defense industry has become a strong and trusted partner for many African countries.

Czechia is also active in many EU and UN efforts for peace, security and stability in Africa.

For years, we take part in EU security and stabilization missions.

We also deliver significant humanitarian aid to people affected by conflicts – in Sahel, Sudan or Eastern DRC.

I also support our deeper cooperation in dealing with illegal migration. It should be based on strong partnerships, which have benefits for all, also using innovative solutions.

Security goes hand in hand with prosperity. In times of conflict, there will be no economic growth. And without prosperity, people turn to radical solutions which damage stability and security. Because of that, we must work on both – invest in security and support trade and economic cooperation.

Czechia supports the Global Gateway initiative. It connects investments in infrastructure, digitalization and green transformation with long-term opportunities for African countries and European companies. We want it to be a symbol of quality and trust and to deliver real results – from modern transport to clean energy.

Czechia is interested in participating in Global Gateway. Czech companies are already active in projects in Africa, for example in transport infrastructure and green technologies.

Czechia can also offer delivery of large-scale solutions for the healthcare sector or energy industry.

Africa is a key partner for the EU also in the area of raw materials. The EU should support regional integration, intra-African solutions and sustainable processing of strategic raw materials and critical minerals.

Ladies and gentlemen, Europe and Africa are bound together as close neighbors across the Mediterranean. Our security, our challenges and our future are shared.

Let me say, that Czech Republic is ready to join the efforts to keep our two continents on the way to prosperity, security and close partnership for the benefit of both our continents.

Thank you.

Petr Fiala, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic