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.”