The President of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has expressed his appreciation for Tunisia's role in supporting African unity. During a meeting with Tunisia's Foreign Minister, Mohamed Ali Nafti, at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Youssouf charged Nafti with conveying his greetings to Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed. The AU president recognized Tunisia's contributions to African unity and its potential to continue playing an active role.

Youssouf expressed confidence in Tunisia's ability to continue contributing to the African Union's efforts to address the continent's challenges. These challenges include security, economic, scientific, technological, environmental, and renewable energy issues. The AU president's comments highlight Tunisia's growing importance in regional and continental affairs. Tunisia's role in promoting African unity and cooperation was emphasized during the meeting.

Nafti reaffirmed Tunisia's commitment to the founding principles of the African Union and its willingness to strengthen African cooperation. He also expressed support for the AU's reform process, which aims to improve the organization's effectiveness and efficiency. Tunisia's participation in UN peacekeeping operations was also highlighted during the discussion. This participation demonstrates Tunisia's commitment to regional and global security.

The two officials also discussed economic issues, including Tunisia's ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. Nafti emphasized the role of the African Excellence Center for Inclusive Markets, hosted in Tunis, in promoting intra-African trade. The center aims to facilitate trade and investment among African countries. Tunisia's economic cooperation with other African countries was also discussed.

Nafti advocated for stronger partnerships between the African Union and the Arab League. He highlighted Tunisia's chairmanship of the Arab League's Council at the ministerial level and the importance of coordinating Afro-Arab efforts at the United Nations. The Palestinian issue was also raised, with Nafti stressing its centrality and the need for a coordinated response. This coordination aims to promote peace and stability in the region.

The meeting also touched on Tunisia's candidacies for positions within AU institutions. The two officials discussed ways to strengthen Tunisia's presence in these institutions and promote its interests. This discussion reflects Tunisia's growing engagement with African and international organizations. Tunisia's diplomatic efforts aim to promote its role in regional and global affairs.

The recognition of Tunisia's active role in Africa by the African Union president underscores the country's growing influence in regional and continental affairs. Tunisia's commitment to African unity and cooperation, as well as its participation in international organizations, demonstrates its willingness to engage with the global community. The meeting between Nafti and Youssouf highlights the importance of Tunisia's role in promoting peace, stability, and cooperation in Africa.

Key points

  • The African Union recognizes Tunisia's active role in Africa, says AU president Mahmoud Ali Youssouf to Tunisia's foreign minister Mohamed Ali Nafti.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.