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 was a significant step in reaffirming the longstanding partnership between Africa and the US and exchanging views on key continental developments.
According to African Press Organization, the Chairperson welcomed Assistant Secretary Garcia and underscored the historic foundations of the U.S.-Africa relationship. He emphasized the importance of building on this legacy through a strengthened and mutually beneficial partnership between the AU, its 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. He highlighted opportunities for enhanced cooperation in areas including trade and investment, infrastructure development, diplomacy, peace, and security.
The discussions reviewed priority areas of cooperation within the framework of the AU Commission-US Strategic Investment Working Group, with a focus on advancing trade, infrastructure, and investment. Both parties agreed on translating commitments into concrete and mutually beneficial outcomes, while further strengthening the strategic partnership between the AU and the US. They also exchanged views on peace and security challenges across the continent, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan.
The Chairperson welcomed US cooperation and support for African-led efforts to advance peace and stability. Assistant Secretary Garcia commended the Chairperson for his constructive engagement and leadership in addressing these crises. On Sudan, they underscored the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and an inclusive, civilian-led political process to restore constitutional order.
The Chairperson also acknowledged the US role in facilitating peace efforts in the eastern DRC and emphasized the importance of ensuring coherence among ongoing initiatives. The discussions further highlighted the importance of sustained cooperation in addressing broader peace and security challenges, including terrorism, violent extremism, maritime insecurity, and piracy.
On Libya, both sides reaffirmed the need for a comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable political solution. Concluding the meeting, the Chairperson and Assistant Secretary Garcia reaffirmed their shared commitment to further deepen and broaden cooperation between the AU and the US, building on the longstanding U.S.-Africa relationship.