AUC Chairperson received Minister of Commerce and Industry of Somalia

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, this morning received H.E. Gamal Mohamed Hassan, Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Federal Republic of #Somalia, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, during a courtesy visit.

The Chairperson congratulated Somalia on the ratification of the Agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing it as an important step towards deepening Somalia's integration into the continental market & advancing the objectives of Africa's economic integration agenda. He underscored Somalia's significant potential to contribute to intra-African trade & investment, noting the country's long-standing commercial traditions, entrepreneurial dynamism & historic trading links across the continent & beyond.

The Chairperson also commended the progress made by Somalia in advancing peace, security & stabilisation, emphasising that sustained peace & stability remain essential to unlocking the country's economic potential & promoting inclusive development & regional integration.

Minister Gamal briefed the Chairperson on the inaugural Horn of Africa Trade Ministers' Meeting, held in Addis Ababa under the framework of the Horn of Africa Initiative. The meeting brought together Trade Ministers from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya & South Sudan, alongside representatives of Sudan & key development partners, to explore practical measures to enhance regional trade & economic cooperation, & establishment of a Trade Facilitation Roadmap and a regional coordination mechanism aimed at addressing barriers to trade and promoting greater economic growth and integration.

The Minister also provided an overview of the positive developments in Somalia's trade & investment landscape, including growing investor confidence & increasing foreign investment. The Chairperson welcomed these developments, stressing the importance of strengthening regional economic cooperation & trade connectivity as important pillars for sustainable peace, stability and prosperity in the Horn of Africa.

Minister Gamal expressed appreciation for the AU's continued support to Somalia's stabilisation efforts & paid tribute to the Troop-Contributing Countries for their commitment & sacrifices in support of peace & security in the country. He underscored the importance of sustained AU & international support as Somalia continues its efforts to progressively assume greater responsibility & ownership for its national security & stabilisation.

In this regard, the Chairperson reaffirmed the AU's principled commitment to supporting Somalia's journey towards lasting peace, security & stability. He assured the Minister that the AU would continue to work closely with the Federal Government of Somalia, Troop-Contributing Countries & international partners to support Somali-led efforts towards the progressive assumption of responsibility for the country's security & the realisation of a peaceful, stable & prosperous Somalia.

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