The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, met with Colombian Vice President Francia Elena Márquez Mina today at the AU Headquarters to discuss a new era of cooperation. The high-level meeting focused on strengthening political, cultural, and socio-economic ties between the African Union and Colombia, with a strong emphasis on reparative justice for people of African descent.

During the talks, Chairperson Youssouf congratulated Vice President Márquez Mina on her historic role and commended Colombia's recent initiative to open an embassy in Ethiopia. He also praised the country's plan to host a high-level conference on "South-South Cooperation and Reparations for African and Afro-descendant Peoples." Given that Colombia is home to one of the largest Afro-descendant populations outside of Africa, both leaders acknowledged the nation as a vital partner for strengthening diaspora linkages.

The leaders agreed to establish a formal framework for cooperation to advance the global reparations agenda in line with AU decisions. They also highlighted South-South solidarity as a crucial driver for sustainable development. Key areas for future collaboration were identified, including economic empowerment programs, cultural exchanges, and initiatives for youth and women's empowerment in education, technology, and entrepreneurship.

According to ENA, the meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to elevate their partnership, marking a historic step toward building a future of dignity, justice, and shared prosperity for African and Afro-descendant peoples.