Addis ababa: The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, this afternoon received H.E. Mr. Frank Garcia, United States (US) Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa. The meeting aimed to reaffirm the longstanding partnership between Africa and the US and to exchange views on key continental developments.
According to African Press Organization, the Chairperson underscored the historic foundations of the U.S.-Africa relationship and emphasized the importance of building on this legacy through a strengthened and mutually beneficial partnership between the AU, Member States, and the US. Assistant Secretary Garcia reaffirmed that Africa remains a priority for the US and conveyed his Administration's commitment to working closely with the AU Commission and AU Member States in advancing shared interests and common objectives.
The discussions focused on priority areas of cooperation within the framework of the AU Commission-US Strategic Investment Working Group, with an emphasis on advancing trade, infrastructure, and investment. Both sides agreed on the importance of translating commitments into concrete and mutually beneficial outcomes and further strengthening the strategic partnership between the AU and the US.
In addition, the Chairperson and Assistant Secretary Garcia exchanged views on peace and security challenges across the continent. The Chairperson expressed appreciation for US cooperation and support for African-led efforts to advance peace and stability, including initiatives in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan. They also underscored the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, alongside an inclusive, civilian-led political process.
The two leaders discussed the importance of ensuring complementarity among ongoing initiatives for peace in the eastern DRC, with Assistant Secretary Garcia expressing appreciation for the engagement of African leaders. Broader peace and security challenges such as terrorism, violent extremism, and maritime insecurity were also highlighted, with the Chairperson emphasizing the value of continued U.S. support for African-led peace initiatives.
On Libya, they reaffirmed the need for a comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable political solution. The meeting concluded with a commitment to deepen and broaden cooperation between the AU and the US, building on the longstanding U.S.-Africa relationship.