The African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation following a high-level meeting held on January 6, 2026, in Addis Ababa.
The meeting brought together the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and the UAE Minister of State, H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, and built 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.
During the talks, both sides reviewed progress made since the inaugural consultations, exchanged views on priority areas of cooperation, and reaffirmed their commitment to sustained political dialogue and an expanded UAE–AU partnership.
They underscored the importance of Agenda 2063, particularly the flagship initiative “Silencing the Guns by 2030”, alongside the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The discussions highlighted the mutually reinforcing link between peace, security, trade and development, with both sides agreeing to intensify cooperation in support of these strategic objectives. They noted that lasting peace is critical for economic integration, while increased trade and investment foster stability, resilience and sustainable development across Africa.
The AUC and UAE also welcomed the launch of the USD 1 billion “AI for Development” initiative by the UAE, announced at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025. Both parties acknowledged its potential to advance Africa’s development priorities through innovation and digital transformation.
On regional peace and security, the Chairperson and the Minister exchanged views on developments in the Horn of Africa, stressing the close interconnection between stability in the region and security in the Arabian Gulf, particularly in relation to maritime security and regional prosperity.
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Addressing the situation in Sudan, both sides called for an immediate and unconditional humanitarian truce, a permanent ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access across the country, 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 recalled the joint statement issued by the AUC and IGAD on September 14, 2025, welcoming the QUAD Joint Statement of September 12, 2025, as well as the High-Level Humanitarian Conference convened on the margins of the AU Summit in February 2025. The parties welcomed regional and international efforts to address Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, condemned atrocities against civilians, and reaffirmed their support for Sudan’s unity, territorial integrity and a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
On Somalia, both sides reiterated their support for the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and stability.
The meeting also reaffirmed the position that Iran’s occupation of the three UAE islands—Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa—constitutes a violation of the UAE’s sovereignty and the principles of the United Nations Charter. Both parties reiterated support for a peaceful resolution of the dispute in accordance with international law, including through bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice.
In line with the 2026 AU theme on water and sanitation, both sides highlighted the upcoming 2026 United Nations Water Conference, to be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal, as a key platform to advance global action on water resilience. They agreed to work closely on action-oriented initiatives with measurable impact across Africa, including through the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening AUC–UAE cooperation across shared priorities in support of peace, stability and sustainable development on the African continent.
