32 one of a long series of sincere efforts aimed at re-exploring and strengtheningArab-African relations from a historical perspective and with visions of the future. Many were the seminars and meetings on both the Arab and African levels that were held, my dear brothers, in the past ten years. New research and study centres sprouted. Dozens of books, dissertations, journals and reports were published, reflecting an increased interest in Arab-African relations and in the necessity of strengthening these ties. I cannot conceal my joy at having taken part in some of these meetings, whether here in Khartoum or in Sharjah. This has allowed me, as it allows all those interested in the subject, to follow up on our advancement in this area. It shows us how successful we have been and how much still lies ahead of us. During previous meetings, I have posed questions and provided answers concerning Arab-African relations. But today at this meeting, do we need to ask the same questions? The constant changes that affect our world impose new questions. So are the answers we have provided still valid or are they incapable of helping us to deal with the major challenges confronting us? Ten years have passed since the Africa Seminar was held in Sharjah in 1976. During this period many circumstances have changed in the world and many new ones have appeared. Our Arab and African world has witnessed a great many changes in the political, economic and cultural spheres, with a lot of
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