African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson This Afternoon Received His Excellency (H.E.) Mr. Frank Garcia, United States (US) Assistant Secretary Of State For African Affairs
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 provided an opportunity to reaffirm the longstanding partnership between Africa&the US&to exchange views on key continental developments. Welcoming Assistant Secretary Garcia, the Chairperson underscored the historic foundations of the U.S.–Africa relationship&emphasised the importance of building on this legacy through a strengthened& mutually beneficial partnership between the AU, Member States&the US.
Assistant Secretary Garcia reaffirmed that Africa remains a priority for the US& conveyed his Administration's commitment to working closely with the AU Commission&AU Member States in advancing shared interests&common objectives. He highlighted opportunities for enhanced cooperation in areas including trade&investment, infrastructure development, diplomacy, peace&security.
The two sides reviewed priority areas of cooperation within the framework of the AU Commission–US Strategic Investment Working Group, with particular emphasis on advancing trade, infrastructure&investment. They agreed on the importance of translating commitments into concrete&mutually beneficial outcomes, while further strengthening the strategic partnership between the AU&the US.
The Chairperson&Assistant Secretary Garcia also exchanged views on peace&security challenges across the continent.
The Chairperson welcomed the US' cooperation&support for African-led efforts to advance peace&stability, including ongoing initiatives in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo&Sudan. Assistant Secretary Garcia, in turn, commended the Chairperson for his constructive engagement&leadership in support of efforts to address these crises.
On Sudan, they underscored the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire&cessation of hostilities, unhindered humanitarian access,&an inclusive, civilian-led political process that would place the country on a credible path towards peace&the restoration of constitutional order.
The Chairperson also welcomed the US' role in facilitating peace efforts in the eastern DRC, including the Washington&Doha processes. They agreed on the importance of ensuring complementarity&coherence among ongoing initiatives. Assistant Secretary Garcia expressed appreciation for the engagement of African leaders&facilitators in support of these efforts.
The discussions further highlighted the importance of sustained cooperation in addressing broader peace&security challenges, including the fight against terrorism&violent extremism, maritime insecurity&piracy. The Chairperson emphasised the value of continued U.S. support for African-led peace&security initiatives.
On the situation in Libya, they reaffirmed the need for a comprehensive, inclusive&sustainable political solution.
The Chairperson&Assistant Secretary Garcia concluded by reaffirming their shared commitment to further deepen&broaden cooperation between the AU&the US, building on the longstanding U.S.–Africa relationship.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
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