The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, today received H.E. Francia Elena Márquez Mina, Vice President of the Republic of Colombia, for discussions on strengthening ties between the African Union and Colombia, at the AU Headquarters. The high-level bilateral meeting focused on strengthening ties between the African Union and Colombia, with a strong emphasis on reparative justice, South-South cooperation, and empowering people of African descent.

Chairperson Youssouf congratulated Vice President Márquez Mina on her historic role and her government's commitment to equity and reparative justice. He also acknowledged the recent inauguration of the Colombian Embassy in Ethiopia and commended Colombia's initiative to convene the High-Level Conference on "South-South Cooperation and Reparations for African and Afro-descendant Peoples," aligning with the continental call for reparations.

A significant focus was placed on Colombia's position as home to one of the largest Afro-descendant populations outside Africa, making it a natural and essential partner in strengthening diaspora linkages. The meeting explored the establishment of a formal cooperation framework to deepen these political, cultural, and socio-economic ties.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the global reparations agenda, in line with AU Assembly Decisions, with the African diaspora as key stakeholders. They also emphasized South-South solidarity as a driver for sustainable development, exploring concrete collaboration in areas such as: Economic empowerment programmes for Afro-descendant communities; Cultural exchanges to strengthen historical and spiritual bonds; Youth and women's empowerment through education, innovation, and entrepreneurship; and Science, technology, and building climate resilience.

The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on deepening cooperation across political, economic, and cultural spheres, with a particular focus on the shared priorities of the Global South. Both sides emphasized the importance of advancing solidarity, multilateralism, and partnership to address common challenges and unlock new opportunities.

The African Union and Colombia reaffirmed their commitment to elevating their partnership, marking an important historic step toward repairing the past and building a future of dignity, justice, and shared prosperity for African and Afro-descendant peoples.

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Mr. Nuur Mohamud Sheekh I Spokesperson of the Chairperson I African Union Commission I Email: SheekhN@AfricanUnion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia