H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, received H.E. Saad Mubarak Al Naimi, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU, in a high-level meeting aimed at consolidating and expanding bilateral cooperation.
The discussions reflected the deepening strategic partnership between the AU and Qatar, highlighting Africa’s growing global influence and Qatar’s increasing engagement across the continent.
Broadening the Scope of Cooperation.
Qatar’s engagement with the AU has primarily focused on peace and security initiatives, including mediation efforts in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and support for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
During the meeting, Chairperson Youssouf commended Qatar’s constructive diplomatic engagement and its sustained support for continental stability, noting its contributions to addressing funding gaps and ensuring the operational continuity of AU peacekeeping missions.
Importantly, the meeting signaled a deliberate expansion of the partnership. Discussions explored collaboration beyond security, encompassing media, investment, and other priority sectors aligned with Africa’s development agenda. Analysts suggest that this diversification represents a strategic shift from reactive, security-focused engagement toward long-term, development-oriented cooperation, offering mutual economic and diplomatic benefits.
AU’s Evolving Role on the Global Stage.
Ambassador Al Naimi expressed his appreciation to Chairperson Youssouf’s leadership in enhancing the AU’s global voice and influence within the multilateral system. The meeting underscored the Union’s ability to convene international partners, promote African priorities, and engage strategically in global governance. Strengthening ties with Qatar reflects the AU’s broader objective of fostering partnerships that are both practical and sustainable.
Advancing the Partnership: What’s Next?
During the discussions, H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, was formally invited to visit AU Headquarters, a move expected to deepen engagement at the leadership level. Such a visit could support the development of joint initiatives and expand collaboration across trade, investment, and media sectors.
For the African Union, this reflects a broader strategy of leveraging international partnerships to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development. For Qatar, it offers an opportunity to strengthen its diplomatic presence in Africa while contributing to initiatives aligned with the continent’s strategic priorities.
The meeting shows that AU-Qatar engagement goes beyond formal diplomacy into a results-driven partnership. By aligning priorities and pursuing concrete initiatives, both sides demonstrate how international cooperation can deliver tangible benefits, strengthening institutions, supporting development, and advancing peace and stability across Africa, while enhancing Qatar’s role on the continent.
