AU and UAE Reaffirm Strategic Partnership on Peace, Trade and Development
The African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on peace, security, trade and sustainable development following a high-level meeting held in Addis Ababa on Tuesday.
The meeting brought together AUC Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and UAE Minister of State H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, building on the first round of political consultations held in Abu Dhabi in September 2025 under the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding between the two sides.
Both parties reviewed progress made since the inaugural consultations and agreed to sustain regular political dialogue while deepening collaboration in priority areas aligned with Africa’s Agenda 2063.
The two sides emphasised the importance of flagship continental initiatives, particularly “Silencing the Guns by 2030” and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), highlighting the link between peace, security, economic integration and development. They agreed that lasting peace is essential for trade and investment, while economic growth contributes to stability and resilience across the continent.
The AUC welcomed the UAE’s USD 1 billion “AI for Development” initiative, launched at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025, noting its potential to support Africa’s development goals through innovation and digital transformation.
Discussions also covered regional peace and security issues, including developments in the Horn of Africa, with both sides underlining the interconnected nature of stability in the Horn and security in the Arabian Gulf, particularly in relation to maritime security and regional prosperity.
On Sudan, the AUC and UAE called for an immediate and unconditional humanitarian truce, a permanent ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, accountability for violations of international humanitarian law, and the establishment of an independent civilian-led government that reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people. They condemned atrocities against civilians and reaffirmed support for Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity.
Regarding Somalia, both sides reiterated their support for the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and stability.
The joint statement also reaffirmed support for the UAE’s position on the three islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, stating that their occupation by Iran violates the UAE’s sovereignty and the principles of the United Nations Charter. Both sides supported a peaceful resolution of the dispute through international law, bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice.
Looking ahead, the AUC and UAE highlighted the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, to be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal, as a major opportunity to advance global action on water resilience, in line with the AU’s 2026 theme on water and sanitation. They agreed to work towards concrete outcomes through initiatives such as the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative.
Both parties concluded by reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation across shared priorities in support of peace, stability and sustainable development in Africa.
