Abu Dhabi hosted the inaugural round of political consultations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the African Union Commission, an initiative rooted in the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2019 and reaffirmed by a recent agreement in July 2025 focusing on health partnerships in Africa. These talks reflect a shared commitment to forging a deeper, strategic partnership and advancing cooperation on a number of priority areas.
Both sides agreed to intensify technical coordination and establish a framework for regular political consultations, ensuring tangible outcomes on issues of shared interest. Responding to current regional developments, they expressed full solidarity with the State of Qatar following recent attacks by Israel, which both parties emphasized constitute a direct threat to regional and international peace and security. The Chairperson of the AU Commission reaffirmed the Union’s support for the UAE’s sovereignty over Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa.
During the consultations, participants highlighted the close ties between the UAE and Africa, underpinned by shared interests, historical and social connections, and reinforced by recent high-level visits—notably that of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Angola. This visit held special significance amid Angola’s presidency of the AU and its mediation efforts across Africa.
The economic dimension of the partnership remained central to discussions, with the UAE recognized as Africa’s leading investor. The UAE’s engagement is guided by a vision for shared development, expanded infrastructure investment, bolstering energy and sustainable growth, and job creation, in alignment with Africa’s goals for electricity, digitalisation, and the empowerment of women and youth.
The parties also addressed developments in the Horn of Africa, Sudan, Central Africa, and the Sahel, reaffirming the need for joint action to bolster security and stability. Additionally, both sides highlighted the UAE’s important contribution during its 2022–2023 membership of the United Nations Security Council, particularly in supporting African issues and coordinating with the three African member states (A3) on the Council.
The discussions concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing the UAE–AU partnership on multiple fronts, promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development across the continent.
Following the official consultations, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission, held a meeting to further explore avenues for collaboration, including in investment, renewable energy, and the empowerment of youth and women, as well as enhancing their role in broader development initiatives.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
