Nairobi, Kenya - 27 August 2016: The African Union and The United States of America engaged in a bilateral discussions on the situation and way forward in regards to interventions in South Sudan, Burundi and Somalia. The talks were held in in the margins of the TICAD VI Summit at the Kenyatta International Centre, Nairobi Kenya.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, H.E. Erastus Mwencha Deputy Chairperson AUC and H.E. Mrs. Fatima Haram Acyl, Commissioner for Trade and Industry met to discuss the various opportunities for enhancing the working relationship between the U.S. and the AU and their partners so as to strengthen their cooperation and partnership.

According to the Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, bringing peace in South Sudan and helping Somalia build and solidify its political progress is a priority area for the U.S. Administration, which will be one of the areas of dialogue in the upcoming U.S. election. Speaking on other issues, The Ambassador underscored importance of establishing the modalities of implementing the 0.2% import levy for financing the AU and the Peace Fund as agreed through the Kigali Decision.

On his part, H.E Mr. Erastus Mwencha highlighted some issues concerning U.S. – Africa relations in general and other specific issues regarding key events that will be taking place in the U.S around September: such as the Leaders’ Summit on the Global Refugee Crisis, the Second U.S. - Africa Business Forum and the AGOA Forum.

The Deputy Chairperson reiterated the importance of holding the 4th High Level Dialogue before the end of 2016 and seizing this opportunity to assess the strategic partnership developed since the signature of the Memorandum of Understanding in February 2013 around peace and security, good governance, opportunity and development and economic growth and trade and investment. In addition, he underscored the significance of a sustained U.S. Administration funding of AUC programs and projects especially those related to the implementation of Agenda 2063 and Post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals.

Both parties emphasized the need to take advantage of the unique opportunity that these interdependent continental and global development goals provide to broaden and deepen the strategic partnership between the two sides.

In addition, the parties recognized the importance of the U.S - Africa partnership and the need to ensure that common priorities and interventions receive adequate funding and are not fragmented or duplicated.

For more Information:

Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission | E-mail: DIC@african-union.org | Website: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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