Angolan President João Lourenço arrived in Libreville, Gabon, to participate in the XXIII Summit of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), on the political and security situation in the region.

The Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) will also examine aspects relating to the economic nature of the organisation.

The Summit was preceded by ECCAS Council of Ministers that reviewed the issue of funding of this regional community.

The meeting also analysed the appointment of members of the ECCAS Committee of Wise, including the roving ambassador Dombele Mbala Bernado, representing the Republic of Angola.

Dombele Bernardo was the representative of the Angolan diplomatic mission in Gabon from 1982 to 2000.

The Angolan diplomatic mission in Gabon also covers Cameroon, Chad and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).

After the opening ceremony, which will be marked by several speeches, the meeting will take place behind closed doors, with closure scheduled for the end of the day, according to the agenda.

Angola has already concluded the ratification process, with the approval, by the National Assembly, of the Resolution approving the ratification of the revision of the Treaty establishing the ECCAS.

The purpose of the revision of the ECCAS Treaty is to determine the procedure for appointing the President and Vice-President of the Commission and the other Commissioners.

The Commission is made up of seven Commissioners, including the President and Vice-President, appointed by the Conference of Heads of State and Government for a non-renewable five-year term.

ECCAS is a market of 170 million consumers and the review aims to revitalise and modernise the community, bringing it in line with the challenges of the region.

ECCAS was created in Libreville, Gabon, in December 1981, became operational in 1985.

ECCAS brings together Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Sao Tome and Principe and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

ECCAS´ strategy includes a twelve-year plan to eliminate customs duties between among states, establish a common external tariff, consolidate the free movement of goods, services and people, improve industry, transport and communications, unite commercial banks and create a development fund.

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)