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AU–UAE High-Level Talks Hold in Addis Ababa
The African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation following a high-level meeting held in Addis Ababa.
The meeting brought together Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, and builds on the first round of political consultations held in Abu Dhabi on September 13, 2025, under the framework of the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding between both parties.
Reaffirming Political Dialogue and Strategic Cooperation
During the engagement, both sides reviewed progress made since the inaugural consultations, exchanged views on priority areas of collaboration, and reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining regular political dialogue.
The discussions focused on strengthening institutional cooperation between the AUC and the UAE to advance shared development and security objectives across Africa.
Agenda 2063, AfCFTA and Peacebuilding in Focus
Central to the talks was Africa’s long-term development blueprint, Agenda 2063, particularly its flagship initiative, “Silencing the Guns by 2030.” Both parties also emphasised the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a driver of economic integration and inclusive growth.
They underscored the interconnected nature of peace, security, trade and development, agreeing that lasting peace is critical for economic integration, while increased trade and investment enhance stability and resilience across the continent.
UAE’s $1bn ‘AI for Development’ Initiative Welcomed
The AUC welcomed the UAE’s US$1 billion “AI for Development” initiative, unveiled at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025.
Both sides agreed that the initiative has significant potential to support Africa’s development priorities by accelerating digital transformation, innovation, and technology-driven solutions aligned with the continent’s socio-economic goals.
Regional Security: Horn of Africa, Sudan and Somalia
The talks addressed peace and security dynamics in the Horn of Africa, highlighting the strong interdependence between stability in the region and security in the Arabian Gulf, particularly in relation to maritime security and regional prosperity.
On Sudan, both parties stressed the urgent need for:
- An immediate and unconditional humanitarian truce
- A permanent ceasefire
- Unhindered humanitarian access nationwide
They called for accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and reiterated support for the establishment of an independent, civilian-led government that reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people.
The meeting recalled the joint AUC–IGAD statement of September 14, 2025, which welcomed the QUAD Joint Statement of September 12, 2025, as well as outcomes from the High-Level Humanitarian Conference held during the AU Summit in February 2025.
Both sides condemned atrocities against civilians and reaffirmed support for Sudan’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Regarding Somalia, the AU and UAE reiterated their continued support for the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and stability.
UAE Territorial Dispute and International Law
The discussions also addressed the occupation of the UAE’s three islands—Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa—by Iran.
Both sides described the occupation as a violation of the UAE’s sovereignty and a contravention of the United Nations Charter, reiterating support for a peaceful resolution in accordance with international law, through bilateral negotiations or adjudication by the International Court of Justice.
Water, Sanitation and Climate Resilience on 2026 Agenda
In line with the African Union’s 2026 theme on water and sanitation, both parties highlighted the upcoming 2026 United Nations Water Conference, to be co-hosted by the UAE and the Republic of Senegal.
They described the conference as a critical platform to advance global action on water resilience, particularly across Africa. Both sides committed to working closely to deliver measurable, action-oriented outcomes, including through initiatives such as the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative.
Commitment to Shared Peace and Development Goals
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of both parties’ commitment to deepening cooperation between the African Union Commission and the United Arab Emirates, in support of shared priorities aimed at promoting peace, stability, economic integration and sustainable development across Africa.
