ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, September 13, 2025/APO Group: The first round of political consultations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the African Union Commission took place in Abu Dhabi, following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in 2019.
The discussions were set within the framework of shared commitment aimed at bolstering strategic partnership, as well as the recent MoU signed in July 2025 on health partnerships in Africa.
Both sides have agreed to pursue tangible outcomes by intensifying technical coordination on issues of shared interest and holding regular political consultations to track progress undertaken.
During the consultations, the two sides underscored the close relations between the UAE and Africa, rooted in shared interests, longstanding historical and social ties, and bolstered by high-level exchanges, as recently evidenced by the visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, to Angola.
The economic aspect of the partnership was also stressed upon with the UAE emerging as the leading investor in Africa, guided by a vision to promote shared development, expand investments in infrastructure, energy, and sustainable growth, and generate jobs, in line with the continent’s priorities in electricity, digitalization, and the empowerment of women and youth.
The two sides also discussed a slew of regional issues pertaining to common interests, encompassing the importance of joint efforts to enhance security and stability. In addition, both sides discussed the important role played by the United Arab Emirates during its membership of the United Nations Security Council (2022–2023) in supporting African issues and strengthening coordination with the three African member states on the Council (A3).
The consultations concluded with a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to advancing the UAE–AU partnership in ways that promote peace, stability, and sustainable development across Africa.
Following the consultations, Her Excellency Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, and His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission, also discussed likely avenues designed to strengthen cooperation in investment, renewable energy, youth and women empowerment, as well as enhancing their role in development.
