The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on Monday received H.E. Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Austria’s Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa for high-level discussions aimed at strengthening AU–Austria relations.
The talks centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation across political, economic, and development priorities, with both parties emphasizing the importance of adapting partnerships to an evolving global landscape. The discussions underscored the need for strengthened collaboration and coordinated international engagement to address emerging global challenges.
H.E. Youssouf acknowledged Austria’s increasing engagement in international affairs and reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships that promote peace, stability, and inclusive development across Africa. He emphasized that such cooperation is essential in advancing the continent’s long-term development agenda.
Minister Meinl-Reisinger reaffirmed Austria’s commitment to its longstanding relationship with the African Union, describing the AU as a key partner in fostering dialogue and multilateral cooperation. She expressed Austria’s readiness to further deepen collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
Both sides highlighted the importance of reinforcing multilateralism and upholding a rules-based international order, particularly in the face of complex global challenges requiring collective action and stronger international solidarity.
The meeting also provided a platform for exchanging views on regional and global developments, with particular attention to peacebuilding, governance reforms, human rights promotion, and sustainable economic development.
The engagement culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining priority areas of cooperation, including peace and security, governance, human rights, economic development, and multilateral engagement.
The agreement is expected to strengthen institutional collaboration between the African Union and Austria, and to further enhance joint efforts in addressing global challenges while advancing shared development objectives.
