…Africa-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly Co-President says historic summit must deliver action, trust and prosperity for citizens
BY MBONO MDLULI
EZULWINI– Co-President of the Africa-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Hilde Vautmans, has called for Africa and Europe to forge a stronger and more meaningful relationship, saying the two continents must move beyond diplomacy and become genuine partners built on trust, compassion and shared prosperity.
Vautmans made the remarks during a dinner hosted by His Majesty King Mswati III for Members of Parliament from Africa and the European Union at the Palazzo International Convention Centre (ICC) in Ezulwini on the evening of Monday, May 11, 2026.
The legislators are in Eswatini for the first Africa-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, a landmark engagement aimed at strengthening parliamentary cooperation between Africa and Europe on issues ranging from trade and youth empowerment to climate action, governance and sustainable development.
‘I want Europe and Africa to marry’
Addressing delegates, Vautmans described the historic summit as more than a diplomatic engagement, saying it should become the foundation for a lasting partnership between the two continents.
“We are neighbours, we are partners, but I really want us to be friends,” Vautmans said.
“I want Europe and Africa to marry – a marriage built on trust, built on compassion, built on honesty and also built on patience.”
She said successful international partnerships required sincerity, mutual respect and a willingness to grow together.
Drawing laughter from delegates, Vautmans linked the metaphor to her personal life.
“I know what I am talking about because I am married to an African man, and sometimes you need patience,” she said jokingly.
“But in a marriage, you trust each other, you make each other better, you help each other grow. That is what I really want this relationship between Europe and Africa to become.”
‘This summit must be about action’
Vautmans stressed that the first Africa-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly should not be remembered merely as another meeting, but as a turning point in relations between the two continents.
“This summit must be the milestone for action and not just an assembly,” Vautmans said.
“I am a politician, and yes, I can talk quickly, but I want this summit to have action – something that people feel on the ground, not just words and resolutions.”
She said citizens across Africa and Europe needed to experience the benefits of parliamentary cooperation through improved opportunities, stronger economies and meaningful development.
“Our citizens need to feel what we are doing for them,” Vautmans said. “We are politicians; we are soldiers of this mission, and we work for our citizens for the next coming 20 years.”
‘If you want to go far, go together’
Vautmans also used an African proverb to emphasise the importance of cooperation between nations.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” she said.
“Tonight, I propose that we start this journey together with the passion I felt yesterday and the passion I have felt here today.”
She described the atmosphere surrounding the summit as carrying “the same heartbeat, the same drive and the same energy,” saying the historic nature of the gathering made it particularly memorable.
“For me, it is the first time we come together in this new setup, and the first time is always something we remember,” Vautmans said.
Youth and trade must lead discussions
Looking ahead to formal deliberations, Vautmans said youth development and trade should remain top priorities for Africa and Europe.
“For me, two very important topics are young people and trade,” she said.
“Young people are our future, and Europe and Africa must invest in stronger trade relations.”
She said meaningful investments in youth and economic partnerships would help create jobs, improve livelihoods and strengthen long-term cooperation between the continents.
The lion and the elephant
In a symbolic reflection, Vautmans spoke about two powerful African symbols – the lion and the elephant – which she said represented the type of leadership and partnership needed between Africa and Europe.
“The lion means strength, leadership, courage and protection,” Vautmans said.
“But even the lion does not have the longevity and wisdom of the elephant.”
Describing the elephant as visionary and multigenerational, she said both symbols reflected qualities necessary to build a better future.
“Together, for our children and the next generation, we can build something meaningful,” Vautmans said.
Raising a toast to delegates, Vautmans concluded by calling for “a very fruitful marriage between Europe and Africa,” drawing applause from lawmakers gathered at the historic event in Ezulwini.
