Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry headed on Tuesday to Addis Ababa to participate in the 42nd edition of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU), which starts on Wednesday at the level of foreign ministers.
Ambassador Ahmed Abouzeid, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that the Executive Council of the AU will discuss in its new session a number of important issues that are a priority on the African scene, the most important of which is the report on the annual activities of the AU and its organs.
The Council will also discuss the acceleration of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, the humanitarian and social situation on the continent, the reports of the ministerial committees of the Executive Council, the issues of food, economic integration and continental integration, in addition to the progress made in the operationalization of the African Drug Agency, and many other issues.
Minister Shoukry is scheduled to meet on the sidelines of his participation with a number of African foreign ministers, to discuss aspects of cooperation and ways to enhance bilateral relations, and exchange views on the issues of the continent of common interest.
He will also meet with a number of officials from outside the continent who are keen to be present on the sidelines of the African Summit.
The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson revealed that a number of guests will participate in delivering statements at the opening session of the Executive Council this year, such as Spanish Foreign Minister José Bueno and UAE Minister of State for African Affairs Shakhbout bin Nahyan.
The 36th session of the African Union Summit is being held this year under the theme “Accelerating the Operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement” and will begin its work on February 18 for two days.
FM Shoukry to participate in 42nd Executive Council of African Union
