The cooperation between the Czech Republic and Africa is constantly deepening. The Czech Republic is becoming more and more visible in Africa: we are an important partner in security cooperation, mutual trade is growing, Czech investments on the continent are gradually increasing, and the experience of Czech implementation partners with projects in Africa is also growing. The Czech Republic is also successful in participating in European Union (EU) and UN programs aimed at stabilization and sustainable development.

The recent example of the strengthening of the relations between the Czech Republic and Africa is that within the framework of the Africa Week commemorations, the Czech-Africa Health Forum took place in Prague this month with the participation of health ministers from several African countries.

However, it must be acknowledged that Africa is also going through a rather difficult period. Not only that the continent still has to deal with the negative effects of the COVID - 19 pandemic on its economies. In addition, due to the aggression of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, Africa has also become more vulnerable to the food crisis, as many African states depend on grain imports from Ukraine and Russia.

At the same time, Russia's aggression against Ukraine once again shows that the democratic world does need the support of Africa to promote a world order based on the rule of law and human rights, as the 54 African states at the UN form a critical mass in forming positions in multilateral fora.

Due to the growing need to develop mutual cooperation with African partners, the Czech Republic is preparing a new comprehensive national strategy for its engagement on the continent. The Czech Republic, like the EU, approaches Africa as its southern neighborhood. The goal of the Czech Republic's activities in the region will be to contribute to the development of a stable, prosperous, healthy and educated Africa. The Czech Republic regards investing in peace and development in Africa as an investment in one's own security and prosperity.

The Czech Republic also welcomes the fact that relations between the EU and Africa are deepening. Africa will be one of the foreign policy priorities of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2022. One of our main goals will be to contribute to the implementation of the conclusions of the Brussels EU-African Union (AU) summit, which took place with the participation of Prime Minister Petr Fiala in February this year.