Month: November 2013

The Ministers of Finance and Budgets and Planning, Economic Development and Investment, Marcelino Owono Edu and Conrado Okenve Ndoho, respectively, presented to the Senate the General State Budgets for the coming year.

The President of the Senate, Maria Teresa Efua Asangono, directs the work of the committee to review these budgets before their presentation to the plenary for approval.

The draft law of the General State Budgets for the fiscal year 2014 foresees for a reduction in oil revenues and increased current and investment expenses, which will lead to a fiscal deficit of 383 billion CFA francs (4.8% of the GDP) and a non-oil primary deficit of 2,670 billion CFA francs (71.7% of the GDP).

However, according to the budget itself, the State revenues for 2014 amounted to 2,568,545 million CFA francs, representing an increase of 9% over the 2013 budget. Investments represent 74% of expenditures, with a budget of 2,201,920 million CFA francs, while current expenses amounted to 755,514 million CFA francs, an increase of 27% over the previous year.

The budgets for next year are also designed to diversify the economy of our country, an increase in social spending in education, health and gender equality.

For further reading: http://www.guineaecuatorialpress.com/noticia.php?id=4527#

26.11.13

Lucas Nguema Esono, Minister of Education and Second Deputy Prime Minister for the Social Sector, met with representatives from the World Bank last Thursday to discuss Equatorial Guinea’s ongoing development projects.

The World Bank delegation was led by Maurizia Tovo and economist Jan Erik Von Uexkull, who also met with the Minister of Planning, Conrado Okenve and the Secretary of State for the Horizon 2020 development programme, Cesar Augusto Mba.

The meeting focused on youth projects in the country, as well as plans for assistance programmes for socially vulnerable groups. Lucas Nguema Esono noted that assessment of the country’s social needs is ongoing to ensure that the right initiatives are development.

Read more: http://www.guineaecuatorialpress.com/noticia.php?id=4524

The Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea to the United Kingdom, Mrs. Mari-Cruz Evuna Andeme, attended the 3rd Afro-Arab Summit in Kuwait City, from November 14-20, 2013, under the theme ‘Partners in Development and Investment’.

The Summit kicked off on November 14th, and was attended by 71 delegations from nations and international organizations, with the presence of over 34 Heads of State, to discuss relations between both regions and topics that proved the relevance of such gatherings, through the adoption of a declaration on Palestine, among others.

The Summit also adopted 2 important documents: the Kuwait Declaration and a set of 8 resolutions, both calling for further South-South Cooperation, a financing mechanism for joint development projects, condemnation of illicit trafficking, enhanced diplomatic relations, peace & security, and the promotion of cultural links between Africa and the Arab World.

On November 20th, HH the Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait, pledged $1 billion in low interest loans and the same amount for investments in African States. The Kuwait Fund is the State’s investment and aid branch for African, Asian and Arab nations.

Ambassador Evuna commented on the event: “The Summit represents a cornerstone in our relations with the Arab world, which are officially 36 years old. In our search for new and strong partners, I believe that our objectives of peace, security and resolution of conflicts in both regions will lead us to the attainment of greater financial and trade cooperation, food security, cultural exchange, improved health programs to fight endemic diseases and strengthen our positions in multilateral negotiations.

“We also agreed to support the Arabs’ position on the UNSC (UN Security Council) reform, as they agreed to back the Ezulwini Consensus. We have had very confident and stimulating discussions on the Strategic Partnership and our Plan of Action. Equatorial Guinea supports the reinforcement of regional integration both continental and across to the Arab world, which will result in social and economic development, creation of jobs, reduction of poverty, direct investment and assist Africans to achieve their MDGs, in 2015 and beyond. I found the theme of the Summit to be very exciting and stimulating, but our endeavours must now impact the lives of our populations as we strive to benefit from all opportunities, especially when we consider that Africa suffers a huge gap in infrastructure development, despite boasting of natural resources and manpower.”

15.11.2013

The President met with several international delegations this week, as part of Equatorial Guinea’s efforts to continue developing positive foreign relations.

Spanish Secretary of State for International Cooperation, Jesus Gracias Aldaz, met with the President and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Agapito Mba Mokuy, to discuss cooperation between Spain and Equatorial Guinea. The linguistic bond between the two countries, the growing role of Spanish businesses in Equatorial Guinea and further collaboration in personnel training were discussed during the meeting.

Maritime security was the topic of meetings with the South African Navy Chief of Staff, Johannes Mudimu, whereas terrorism and continental security were discussed in meetings with Isaac Moyo, Executive Secretary of the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa. During his visit to Equatorial Guinea, Moyo also met with the Delegate Minister for Foreign Security, Juan Antonio Bibang Nchuchuma Esommoyo.

Read more: http://www.guineaecuatorialpress.com/noticia.php?id=4477

13.11.2013

During a speech at the 68th UN General Assembly Plenary Session on 7 November, Anatolio Ndong Mba, Equatorial Guinea’s Permanent Representative to the UN, called for Africa and other continents to have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. 

“Isn’t it fair to recognize the rights of all countries, and all regions to have a proper and lawful representation in the Security Council of the United Nations?” Ambassador Ndong Mba said. “Is it not time that the African continent, which is the region with more member states, be acknowledged the right to have permanent representatives in the Security Council and the right to veto?”

In his address to the Session, Ambassador Ndong Mba highlighted the fact that the African continent has more than a billion people, yet still does not have a seat on the Security Council. He called for negotiations to address the possibility reform in the UN, ensuring the organisation remains democratic and transparent.

Read more http://www.guineaecuatorialpress.com/noticia.php?id=4458

08.11.13

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Francisco Pascual Obama Asue and the Equatorial Guinean Football Federation (FEGUIFUT) have confirmed that the national football team of Equatorial Guinea will play a friendly match against Spain in Malabo on Saturday 16 November. The match will take place at the new sports stadium in Malabo.

As a sign of the good relations between the two countries, the Spanish team – currently world football champions – have agreed to waive any financial compensation for the match.

The Minister promised the Spanish team a warm welcome in Equatorial Guinea, encouraging all football fans in Equatorial Guinea to show their support for the country’s guests. During their visit, the Spanish team will stay in the luxury resort team of Sipopo.

Read more: http://www.guineaecuatorialpress.com/noticia.php?id=4445

Read more: http://www.guineaecuatorialpress.com/noticia.php?id=4446

Last night saw the launch of London’s first Afro-Hispanic Cultural Exhibition in London, hosted by the embassy of Equatorial Guinea which marked the 45^th anniversary of the country’s independence.

The exhibition was opened by Guillermina Mekuy Mba Obono, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, and visitors were introduced to the diverse culture and heritage of Equatorial Guinea, the only African country to have experienced Hispanic influences.

The launch featured performances from leading Equatoguinean musicians, traditional dancing, and an exhibition of painting and sculpture.  A number of artists exhibited their work and a special tribute was paid to the most famous sculptor of the Equatorial Guinea, Leandro Mbomio, who recently passed away.

Equatorial Guinea’s Ambassador to London, Mari-Cruz Evuna Andeme said, “I am thrilled that this important exhibition is opening in London to showcase culture and art that combines African traditions with Hispanic influences.  I truly believe that art is a common language which can help bring people together and enhance mutual co-operation and I hope that this exhibition will help to develop understanding of my country here in the UK.”

The event was attended by ambassadors and high commissioners from across Africa, a number of European embassy officials, MPs, press and civil society representatives, and a wide variety of individuals and companies with an interest in Africa and its culture.

The exhibition continues until 6 November, 2013.

Read more: http://www.guineaecuatorialpress.com/noticia.php?id=4427

For enquiries relating to the exhibition

Judith Matogo

02074 996 867 /