Addis Ababa - Ethiopia. July 27, 2020. The Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mr. Kwesi Quartey, received the United Kingdom Minister for Africa, H.E. Mr. James Duddridge (MP) at the AUC on a familiarization tour and to introduce himself to the leadership of the Commission. 

 

After exchanging pleasantries, H.E the Deputy Chairperson expressed gratitude to the Government of UK for committing to donate $20 Million towards the AU COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund and UK’s continuous collaboration with the African Union.

 

HE. Mr. Quartey highlighted the effects of COVID-19 continent, making particular reference to the interruption of the election process on the continent and scheduled high-level dialogue meetings between the AU and the UK. 

 

In his response, Mr. Duddridge thanked the Deputy Chairperson for his warm reception, whilst noting that his office will exploit the possibility of a virtual meeting between the leadership of the AU and the UK Foreign Minister and leadership of the government of the UK to undertake the pending high-level dialogue meetings.

 

Both sides discussed topical issues of mutual interest such as peace and security, good governance, trade and investment, Brexit, Black Lives Matters and the ongoing integration process on the continent, focusing on the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) among others.

 

The meeting ended with H.E Quartey wishing him well in his new position.