” “"We are glad to welcome our guests to the EU Parliament. We are glad to see Europeans and Africans gathered together to celebrate African culture". Hans-Gert Poettering, president of the European Parliament, sends a message to the participants in the African Week, promoted at the headquarters of the assembly from 8th to 12th September, as part of 2008 Year of Intercultural Dialogue. The initiative will take to the Belgian capital politicians, experts, writers, artists, civilian leaders, to discuss cooperation between the two continents and the current challenges, from migration to economic development, from human rights to education. "Intercultural dialogue specifies Poettering involves meetings, exchanges of ideas, listening to others and if possible a joint action". The schedule includes workshops, film screenings, debates, parties, readings. "This week states Mahamat S. Annadif, delegate of the African Union to Brussels is an opportunity for many types of exchanges, cultural of course, but political as well". Poettering recalls that the initiative is part of the summits between the EU and Africa, the latest of which took place in Lisbon last December.” “
