UAE, African Union Reaffirm Strategic Partnership in High-Level Addis Ababa Talks
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the African Union Commission (AUC) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening political, economic, and development cooperation following a high-level meeting held in Addis Ababa.
The talks brought together Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State.
The meeting built on the first round of political consultations held in Abu Dhabi in September 2025 under the framework of a 2019 Memorandum of Understanding between the two sides.
According to a joint statement, the discussions reviewed progress made since the inaugural consultations, identified priority areas for future cooperation, and underscored the importance of sustained political dialogue.
Both parties emphasized shared strategic goals, particularly those aligned with Africa’s long-term development blueprint, Agenda 2063.
Special attention was given to flagship continental initiatives, including “Silencing the Guns by 2030” and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The two sides highlighted the close links between peace, security, trade, and development, agreeing that lasting stability is essential for economic integration, while increased trade and investment can foster resilience and sustainable growth across the continent.
The UAE’s recently launched US$1 billion “AI for Development” initiative, announced at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025, was also welcomed.
Both sides said the initiative could play a significant role in supporting Africa’s development priorities through innovation and digital transformation.
Regional peace and security featured prominently in the discussions, particularly the situation in the Horn of Africa.
The two parties stressed the interdependence between stability in the Horn and security in the Arabian Gulf, citing shared concerns over maritime security and regional prosperity.
On Sudan, the AUC and the UAE called for an immediate and unconditional humanitarian truce, a permanent ceasefire, and unrestricted humanitarian access across the country.
They stressed the need for accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and reiterated their support for the establishment of an independent, civilian-led government that reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people.
Both sides condemned atrocities against civilians and reaffirmed their support for Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity.
The meeting also addressed Somalia, with both parties reaffirming their continued support for the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, and stability.
In addition, the African Union Commission expressed support for the UAE’s position regarding the three islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, stating that their occupation by Iran violates the UAE’s sovereignty and the principles of the UN Charter.
Both sides backed a peaceful resolution to the dispute in line with international law, including through bilateral negotiations or referral to the International Court of Justice.
Looking ahead, the discussions highlighted the African Union’s 2026 theme on water and sanitation and the upcoming 2026 United Nations Water Conference, to be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal.
The two sides said the conference presents a key opportunity to advance global action on water resilience, including through initiatives such as the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, with a focus on delivering measurable impacts across Africa.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the shared commitment by the African Union Commission and the UAE to strengthen their partnership in support of peace, stability, and sustainable development on the African continent.
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