Ethiopian Informer
ADDIS ABABA (EI) — African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on Tuesday warned that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf region have caused “significant repercussions” on African economies. He called for deepening Africa-Iran ties on shared development interests.
Chairperson of the 55-member continental organization made the remarks during his meeting with Iran’s Permanent Representative to the AU, Ali Akbar Rezaei, on Tuesday at the headquarters of the continental bloc in Ethiopia’s capital of Addis Ababa, the AU said in a statement.
“The chairperson noted that tensions in Strait of Hormuz and Gulf region, as well as disruptions affecting maritime trade routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, have had significant repercussions for African economies,” the statement read.
Youssouf highlighted impacts on energy supplies, fertilizer imports, as well as food security across the continent. He underscored the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of international commerce in accordance with international law.
The AUC chief welcomed recent diplomatic progress between Iran and the U.S., while also expressing the AU’s support for the ongoing negotiations in Geneva. He encouraged all parties to engage constructively and in good faith, emphasizing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective means of resolving disputes and promoting regional and international stability.
Meanwhile, Youssouf and Rezaei discussed cooperation between Iran and the AU, particularly in the fields of science, technology, innovation, and capacity building.
The two officials “emphasized the importance of deepening collaboration in these areas to advance shared development objectives,” according to the AU.
The AUC chief highlighted the Africa-Iran and AU-Iran “longstanding and constructive relations,” as he noted Iran’s rich historical and cultural heritage, as well as its engagement with the continent.
The Iranian envoy, for his part, welcomed the AU’s consistent position in support of dialogue, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for a rules-based international order.
Rezaei highlighted that the AU has remained a “strong advocate” for diplomatic solutions to international challenges. He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with the AU and its members across areas of mutual interest.
(Photo shows AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf’s meeting with Iran’s Permanent Representative to the AU Ali Akbar Rezaei on Tuesday at the headquarters of the AU in Ethiopia’s capital of Addis Ababa. Credit – African Union.)
