The EU-AU Forum refers to the collaborative platform between the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU) aimed at fostering dialogue and cooperation across various sectors such as trade, security, and development with its key objective of strengthening partnerships by addressing global challenges and creating solutions.
Several high level ministers exchanged views and topics covering the strong partnership of over the past 25 years between the European Union and African Union. In addition to that , the meeting highlighted the stock of progress made since the EU-AU Summit of 2022. The partnership between the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU) has evolved significantly over the past 25 years. While the establishment began in the late 90s focusing on political dialogues and cooperation the formalization took place in the 2000 EU-AU Summit which marked a highly significant step in creating the major relation between the European Union and African Union. Massive Areas of Cooperation included Political Dialogues , Economic Development , Peace and Security Cooperation , Climate Change and Investment in Infrastructure and Health.
In addition to that, side meetings were taking place with high officials consisting various topics of partnership and longterm goals like Agenda 2063 of the African Union. The European Union and African Union forum is highly significant as it seeks to create a more balanced and equitable relationship between the continents, fostering mutual respect and shared goals.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia , H.E. Dr. Gedion Timothewos appreciated the long standing partnership between Ethiopia and the European Union (EU) during the last five decades. He emphasized the shared commitment to advancing peace, stability, and development for mutual benefits. Timothewos underscored the importance of further strengthening the partnership between Ethiopia and the European Union. He also stressed the need to implement commitments under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Engagement Agreement signed between Ethiopia and the European Union.
H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission met with EU Commissioner Usula von der Leyen and Mr. António Costa, President of the European Council discussed reaffirming the strategic AU-EU partnership & the importance of deepening multilateral cooperation on shared priorities: peace & security, stabilisation, Africa-led peace support operations, trade, & sustainable infrastructure.
Ermias Tilahun | Correspondent , Addis Ababa- Ethiopia
