Strengthening Partnership: African Union and Norway Strengthen Alliance
The African Union and Norway deepened their strategic partnership during a high-level meeting on May 6 at the African Union Headquarters. The Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Ms. Selma Haddadi, and the Norwegian Minister of International Development, H.E. Mr. Asmund Aukrust, reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable development, peace and security, democratic governance, and institutional cooperation.
Key Takeaways:
- The African Union (AU) and Norway intend to expand collaboration in multilateral platforms, including the G20, to address peace and security challenges in Africa and globally.
- A new bilateral framework agreement between Norway and the AU will be signed by the end of May 2025 to institutionalize cooperation and expand support to priority areas outlined in the AU's Agenda 2063 and Norway's Africa strategy.
- The two parties agreed to explore closer collaboration and stronger engagement in key AU-led continental initiatives, including CAADP, peace operations, and mediation networks such as the Panel of the Wise, FemWise, and WiseYouth.
- Norway reiterated its strong support for the AU Commission's work and its commitment to promoting African-led solutions through genuine partnership.
- The parties expressed readiness to work more closely at the global level to advance their common agenda.
- The meeting underscored the mutual respect and shared priorities that define AU-Norway relations.
Statistics:
- A new bilateral framework agreement between Norway and the AU will be signed by the end of May 2025.
- The agreement will further institutionalize cooperation and expand support to priority areas outlined in the AU's Agenda 2063 and Norway's Africa strategy.
- Norway's support for the AU Commission's work and its commitment to promoting African-led solutions are ongoing.
Sources:
- "Meeting between H.E. Ms. Selma Haddadi, Deputty Chairperson of the African Union Commission and H.E. Mr. Asmund Aukrust, Norwegian Minister of International Development". (n.d.). African Union.
- "African Union and Norway Strengthens Partnership". (n.d.). Ministry of International Development.