First Contact with the African Union Commission

22 October 2018, Barcelona. The African Union (AU) Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, paid a courtesy call on UfM Secretary General Nasser Kamel on 22 October 2018 in Barcelona. This was the first ever contact at this level between the UfM Secretariat and the AU Commission.

Secretary-General Kamel and Commissioner Abou-Zeid discussed the respective roles of the two organizations and the mutually reinforcing objectives in North Africa, especially in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda to achieve integration and inclusive and sustainable growth.

They also acknowledged the positive role of the European Union as a strategic partner in the implementation of agenda 2063 and SDGs in Africa.

Secretary General Kamel and Commissioner Abou-Zeid highlighted the importance of coordinating infrastructure and energy projects and promoting synergy between the initiatives of the two organisations with the aim of optimising results and ensuring the well-being of the populations.

It was agreed to continue consultations and technical discussions in Addis Ababa in the near future.