ADDIS ABABA — African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf held bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of Somalia and Benin on the sidelines of the 49th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council, with discussions focusing on regional security, peace initiatives, and multilateral cooperation.
In talks with Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, the two sides reviewed preparations for the Second AUSSOM Troop Contributing Countries Summit, scheduled to take place in Kampala on July 31. They also discussed strengthening support for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing peace, security, and stability through continued cooperation between the African Union, the Federal Government of Somalia, and international partners.
Minister Abdisalam thanked the African Union for its continued support and reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to working closely with the AU Commission to promote lasting peace and security.
In a separate meeting, Youssouf and Benin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Corinne Amori Brunet, exchanged views on the political and security situation in the Sahel, the importance of effective multilateralism, and strengthening cooperation between the African Union and Regional Economic Communities (RECs).
The AU Commission Chairperson commended Benin’s democratic governance and welcomed the renewed dialogue between Benin and Niger, as well as ongoing engagement between the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), describing the initiatives as positive steps toward enhancing regional stability and cooperation.
