WT/GC/173  
 
23 October 2015  
(15-5606)  Page: 1/2  
General Council  Original: English  
 
 STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR (DR.) AMINA C. MOHAMED,  
CABINET SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE,  
AT THE AFRICAN UNION (AU) IN FORMAL MINISTERIAL MEETING  
20 OCTOBER 2015, BRUSSELS - BELGIUM 
 
The following communication, dated 21 October 20 15, is being circulated at the request of 
Ambassador (Dr.) Amina C. Mohamed, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and 
International Trade.  
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 1.1.  I am pleased to address this AU informal meeting once again. I thank the Director-General 
for his comprehensive report and for the invaluable observations and insights on the way forward 
in the negotiations on MC10.  
1.2.  As I mentioned yesterday, in just a short while, within just 54 days to be precise, we will be 
meeting in Kenya for the 10
th WTO Ministerial Conference. This Conference is the last of a series of 
large gatherings this year that have addressed global governance and development issues. It has the potential to deliver concrete gains for all countries.  
1.3.  You have just heard the report by the Dire ctor-General on ongoing activities in Geneva. As 
we heard, there remain serious gaps in the path that we in the African group and the broader 
membership wish to pursue to ensure that Nair obi delivers the concrete negotiated outcomes to 
which we all aspire.  
1.4.  While it is encouraging that engagement has not waned in Geneva, it is imperative that we, 
as Ministers, put all of our political weight behind the intensive efforts that are being made in Geneva and provide the required political direction and guidance. As Nairobi edges closer, political 
support and clear instructions on our part will be essential in making substantial progress.  
1.5.  The 10
th Ministerial Conference is an opportunity to build on the success we achieved in Bali 
two years ago and to continue strengthening the mu ltilateral trading system. It will not be easy; 
but difficulties notwithstanding, we need to continue infusing new energy into the WTO 
negotiations by making steady, incremental progress. A successful Ministerial Conference would be 
a step in the right direction and would give us the impetus we need to push the multilateral trade agenda forward.  
1.6.  For the Conference to be successful, we ha ve to aim for outcomes that are realistic and 
acceptable to all Members. Of course, and as we have all agreed, development and LDC issues as well as agriculture, food security, services, NAMA  trade and environment and fishery subsidies will 
have to be core elements of any outcome.  
1.7.  Let me tell you, nonetheless,  that I - and I believe other Ministers - have not totally given up 
on other issues that are of critical importance to us, such as Domestic Support. I am aware that this area has been quite challenging, but I remain optimistic that with a true collaborative effort 
we may be able to reach a compromise acceptable to all. But this will require a lot of common 
sense and realism by all of us.  WT/GC/173 
 
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  1.8.  The overall result might not be as comprehens ive as many of us are hoping for, but I believe 
that it can represent a significant step forward from the status quo. A meaningful package of 
results in Nairobi will ensure that we continue to tackle the key issues of our concern, with the momentum generated, especially on the important unresolved issues.  
1.9.  Therefore, I agree with the Director-General  that we also need to start thinking about our 
work post-Nairobi. We need to instruct our negotiators to work on a draft Ministerial Declaration that recognizes the progress made and gives clear guidance on future work.  
1.10.  This will not be easy - I am aware of the differences in points of view regarding the 
postNairobi work. But I think it is possible to work on something which will be acceptable to all, 
and which will ensure that we all continue to talk in Geneva after Nairobi.  
1.11.  I believe that we must seize the opportunity that Nairobi offers to deliver a positive outcome 
for the Organization, and for the future of multilateral trade relations. A "no result" scenario is not 
a viable option. A successful conference would be the springboard for further progress in the WTO 
and would pave the way for future discussions at the multilateral level.  
1.12.  If we are not successful this December, we cannot hope to restore credibility to the 
negotiating arm of the WTO - not now, nor in the future. Nairobi cannot be allowed to fail.  
1.13.  With the countdown clock ticking, we must act with a sense of urgency. While negotiators in 
Geneva continue to work on the more technical issues, it is imperative for us to provide them with clear political guidance to define - clearly and quickly - the outline of a Nairobi outcome.  
1.14.  Ultimately, it is our responsibility, as Minist ers, to ensure that our Conference is successful - 
it is, after all, a Conference of Ministers responsible for international trade. I am encouraged by 
the fruitful sessions we had yesterday that culminated in the Declaration on AU position on the 
outcome of MC10. I am confident we can deliver and the document is crucial in providing direction 
to our negotiators.  
1.15.  Personally, both as representative of the Kenyan Government and as Chair of the Ministerial 
Conference, I can reassure you of my full commitment to the success of this Conference. The 
Kenyan Government - and I personally - are taking our role as MC10 host and MC10 Chair very 
seriously.  
1.16.  I will continue to reach out to Ministers and I remain available to offer my full support to all 
of you in the coming months.  
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