H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, received H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Ben Youssef, Director-General of the Africa-Arab Cultural Institute (AACI), at the African Union Headquarters.

The discussions focused on revitalizing the AACI as a joint institution of the African Union and the League of Arab States, with a view to strengthening cultural cooperation between Africa and the Arab region. Both sides underscored the importance of ensuring that this partnership reflects the shared history, geographic proximity, and deep-rooted civilizational ties binding their peoples.

They further emphasized the need to mobilize adequate and sustainable resources to enable the AACI to deliver effectively on its mandate, including through enhanced collaboration with partners such as UNESCO.

The Chairperson highlighted culture as a strategic enabler of peace and sustainable development, and a vital tool in countering extremist narratives. He encouraged the AACI to leverage cultural diplomacy in addressing the interconnected challenges facing Africa and the Arab world.