Germany and African Union launch first strategic dialogue on foreign and security policy
via The Reporter Ethiopia3 min read
Germany and the African Union AU have initiated their first strategic dialogue on foreign and security policy at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa. The consultations, held on July 13 and 14, 2026, were led by German Federal Foreign Office State Secretary Dr. G茅za Andreas von Geyr and AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Bankole Adeoye. This new framework aims to address global security crises and strengthen multilateral collaboration. The dialogue's architecture was agreed upon in January 2026 by Foreign Minister Wadephul and AU Chairperson Youssouf, and endorsed by German Federal Chancellor Merz and Chairperson Youssouf in April 2026. Dr. von Geyr emphasized the AU's crucial role in maintaining peace and security. Discussions covered the humanitarian and political crisis in Sudan, transition architectures in Somalia, and stabilization efforts in the Sahel and Great Lakes regions, as well as the international implications of the war in Iran and Russia鈥檚 war against Ukraine. Germany, the AU鈥檚 largest individual bilateral partner with over 1 billion euros in investments since 2002, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting "African-led solutions to African problems." During his visit, Dr. von Geyr also met with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Dr. Gedion Timothewos to strengthen bilateral relations, focusing on increased foreign direct investment, private sector access, green energy transition, and qualified legal labor migration. Ethiopia is preparing to host th
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