Foreign ministers of the African Union (AU) member states have gathered meeting in Addis Ababa for the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the union.

Addressing the session, Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Timotewos welcomed the participants and said Africa, which is home to many large and long rivers, should use its water resources for sustainable development. 

He also expressed his belief that the session will provide substantive discussions on issues of peace, security, climate and water resources.

Although Africa has achieved many development achievements over the years, the foreign minister stressed that there is still a long way to go in terms of achieving the goals set for Agenda 2063.

As this year's AU summit focuses on water resources, he also highlighted the issues that need to be addressed in the sector. They also stressed that Africa, which is home to many large and long rivers, should properly utilize its water resources for sustainable development.

“The aspirations of the African Continental Free Trade Area has turned into a living reality,” he said, mentioning the momentum of implementation at multiple fronts.

The African Union Commission and the Foreign Ministers of member states are participating in the summit.

As the 48th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council began Wednesday, themed “Sustainable Water and Sanitation for the Success of Agenda 2063”, it has brought together African foreign ministers, diplomats and heads of the Union’s institutions participated.

The council will deliberate on the agendas discussed by the 51st Permanent Representatives Committee of the African Union in January 2026.

The Executive Council is expected to approve the agendas for the 39th African Union Summit to be held on this Saturday and Sunday. 

The two day regular session of the council will continue until tomorrow.