Africa's insistence not to sign the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) despite pressure and threats from Europe signals the continent's resolve to push for its interests.
The new trade rules would open up African, Caribbean and Pacific countries to competition from technologically advanced European industries and heavily subsidized European farmers.
According to Elisabeth Tankeu, commissioner for trade and industry, African leaders are now going to be asked to push for Africa's interest regarding the EPAs when they meet their European counterparts later this year.
Malawian President and also Chairperson of the AU Bingu Wa Mutharika said at the opening of the 15th AU summit that Africa must have a common voice in international affairs.
He told his counterparts that during the last Group of Eight (G8) and Group of Twenty (G20) summits held in Canada last month, the leaders of the world's leading economies were told that Africa must be actively involved in such major meetings because some of the decisions take there affect the continent.
"We appealed to these organizations to formalize the AU's participation through a permanent mechanism," he said while opening the 15th AU summit here.
He said in all major meetings, Africa should remain united and speak with one voice, especially in the December 2010 climate change talks to be held in Cancun, Mexico.
"We need to go to Cancun with one strong African message," he said.
