The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, held an important high-level meeting with the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where they discussed key issues related to peace, security, and regional cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
The meeting focused on strengthening regional stability, with particular emphasis on maritime security, broader security challenges facing the Horn of Africa, and efforts to safeguard peace and security in regional waters that are vital to neighboring countries and international trade.
During the discussions, both leaders reaffirmed their strong support for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, and stability. They jointly stressed the importance of respecting the independence and territorial unity of countries in the region, underscoring that lasting peace is a fundamental pillar for sustainable development and regional progress.
The AU Commission Chairperson and the UAE Minister also strongly condemned what they described as illegal actions taken by the Israeli government, warning that such steps pose a serious threat to peace and stability at both regional and global levels.
The talks further highlighted the broad international support Somalia continues to receive from major global organizations and international partners of which it is a member, reaffirming collective backing for the unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The meeting reflects broader diplomatic efforts aimed at strengthening cooperation between the African Union, regional states, and international partners to promote lasting peace, sustainable development, and enhanced security across the Horn of Africa.
The engagement comes at a time when the region faces complex political and security challenges, making coordinated diplomatic action and respect for international law increasingly critical to ensuring long-term stability.
