The United Arab Emirates and the African Union are deepening their strategic partnership following a successful visit to Abu Dhabi by Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission. The visit signals a new chapter of cooperation between the two entities, focused on strengthening ties and outlining a path for future collaboration.

Youssouf met with a number of senior UAE officials, including Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Deputy Prime Minister. He also held important discussions with Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashim, Minister of State for International Cooperation. A key meeting with Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, former Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and current CEO of ADNOC, was also on the agenda.

The visit included the first round of political consultations in Abu Dhabi, building on earlier forums. These talks focused on aligning mutual priorities and establishing frameworks for sustained cooperation. Both the AU and the UAE are keen to collaborate on a wide range of issues, including:

Economic development: Boosting trade, investment, and sustainable growth across Africa.

Energy and infrastructure: Partnering on renewable energy projects, technology, and digital transformation.

Human development: Collaborating on initiatives in health, education, and human capital.

Peace and security: Coordinating on mediation and stabilization efforts in regions like Somalia, Sudan, the DRC, and the Sahel.

To ensure these initiatives are implemented, both parties agreed to form joint working groups to carry out priority projects and maintain regular high-level dialogue. Youssouf thanked Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the invitation and reaffirmed the AU's commitment to a partnership built on mutual respect and shared goals. The visit is considered a vital step toward achieving the AU's Agenda 2063 aspirations and advancing the UAE’s vision for global cooperation.