AUC Chairperson held bilaterals on Sidelines of 49th Session of Exec Council

On the sidelines of the 49th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, held bilateral meetings with H.E. Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation of #Somalia, & also H.E. Ms Corinne Amori Brunet, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Benin.

With Somalia, discussions focused on preparations for the Second AUSSOM Troop Contributing Countries Summit in Kampala on 31 July, strengthening support for AUSSOM, & advancing peace, security & stability in Somalia through continued cooperation between the AU, the Federal Government of Somalia & international partners. Minister Abdisalam expressed appreciation for the AU's steadfast support & reaffirmed Somalia's commitment to close collaboration with the Commission.

In his meeting with H.E. Corinne Amori Brunet of Benin, the Chairperson exchanged views on the political & security situation in the Sahel, the importance of effective multilateralism, & strengthening the AU & RECs.

The Chairperson commended Benin's democratic governance & welcomed the renewed dialogue between Benin & Niger, as well as engagement between the AES & ECOWAS.