H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission, today received H.E. Olivia Leslie, Ambassador of #Ireland to Ethiopia & Permanent Representative to the African Union, for an exchange on advancing AU–Ireland, and EU cooperation.

The Chairperson commended Ireland’s partnership with Africa, both bilaterally & within the AU–EU strategic framework, & expressed appreciation for Ireland’s continued support to AU priorities, including in health, peace & security, & the Women, Peace & Security agenda. He further welcomed Ireland’s principled commitment to strengthening multilateralism, & conveyed his appreciation for the participation of the Prime Minister of Ireland at the AU–EU Summit in Angola last year.

Ambassador Leslie, in turn, reaffirmed Ireland’s strong support for the AU’s leadership in preventive diplomacy & mediation, underscoring Ireland’s intention to further align its engagement, including through the European Union, with AU priorities. She highlighted key AU flagship initiatives, such as AfCFTA & AUDA-NEPAD, as important platforms for deepening strategic multilateral cooperation in areas of trade & development cooperation.

@dfatirl @MichealMartinTD