African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has held key meetings in Addis Ababa this week with senior diplomats from the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, focusing on strengthening strategic partnerships, advancing crucial AU institutional reforms, and mobilizing support for continental peace and development priorities.
In discussions with Mohamed Salem Al-Rashedi, the UAE Ambassador to Ethiopia, Chairperson Youssouf explored avenues to significantly deepen AU-UAE collaboration. The talks centered on enhancing UAE investment flows into vital African sectors and securing the Gulf nation's backing for critical AU-led peace and stabilization programs. Ambassador Al-Rashedi reaffirmed the UAE's strong commitment to cooperation and extended a formal invitation from his government for the Chairperson to visit the UAE.
Separately, Chairperson Youssouf held a fruitful meeting with Dr. Mohamed Omar Gad, Egypt's Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU. This discussion centered squarely on progressing the vital AU institutional reform agenda. Key areas addressed included strengthening the Union’s financial autonomy, exploring innovative approaches to member state assessed contributions, and ensuring predictable and sustainable funding streams for African-led peace support operations.
During the meeting, Ambassador Gad conveyed a message of goodwill from the Egyptian government and reaffirmed Egypt's steadfast support for Chairperson Youssouf's leadership. The officials also discussed the planned convening of the High-Level Retreat for AU and UN envoys in Cairo later this year.
Chairperson Youssouf commended Egypt for its leadership and commitment to regional multilateralism, acknowledging its constructive contributions to the AU's mandate, especially in peacekeeping support and the ongoing institutional reform efforts. These high-level engagements highlight the Chairperson's active diplomacy aimed at bolstering the African Union's partnerships and capacity.