In a crucial move to promote regional peace and economic advancement, high-level delegates from the United Arab Emirates and the African Union Commission (AUC) gathered in Addis Ababa today to discuss a broad strategic agenda. The meeting, which was presided over by UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan and AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, signifies a deepening of ties after their initial political meetings in Abu Dhabi last year.
Important Foundations of Collaboration
The topic of debate was the “interconnectedness of peace, security, and development,” and both sides agreed on a number of revolutionary projects: AfCFTA and Agenda 2063: In order to promote economic resilience, both parties reiterated their resolve to “Silencing the Guns by 2030” and to expedite the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The UAE’s $1 billion “AI for Development” project was applauded by the AUC. The initiative, which was unveiled during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, is expected to spur innovation and digital change throughout the continent. Water Security: In anticipation of the 2026 UN Water Conference, which the UAE and Senegal will co-host, the parties decided to work together on water resilience through the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative. Resolving Regional Disagreements Regarding urgent security issues in the Horn of Africa and elsewhere, the joint statement adopted a strong stance:
“Economic integration requires enduring peace. Stability and sustainable development are directly impacted by increased trade and investment. The crisis in Sudan The leaders demanded a permanent ceasefire in Sudan as well as an urgent, unconditional humanitarian truce. They underlined the importance of: Unrestricted humanitarian access. accountability for transgressions of international law. the creation of a separate, civilian-run government. Local Authority Somalia The AUC and UAE reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Islands of the UAE: The AUC advocated for a settlement through bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice, supporting the UAE’s request for a peaceful resolution on the three islands (Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa) currently seized by Iran.
Considering the FutureThe 2019
Memorandum of Understanding is strengthened by this meeting, marking the beginning of a proactive period in UAE-Africa ties. Both parties hope to provide a stable atmosphere for the upcoming ten years of growth by bridging the gap between African prosperity and Arabian Gulf security.