Shoukry Heads to Addis Ababa to Participate in AU Executive Council

Ahmed Abu Zeid, Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry left today from Dubai, where he is participating in the World Government Summit, to the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

Shoukry heads the Egyptian delegation to the work of the the Forty second (42nd) Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union. It will be held on February 15 and 16, 2023 at the level of foreign ministers.

The spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that the Executive Council of the African Union will discuss in its new session a number of important topics and issues that represent a priority on the African scene.

One of the most important topics that will be discussed is the report on the annual activities of the African Union and its organs, and the acceleration of the process of activating the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

The summit will also discuss the humanitarian and social situation in the continent, the reports of the ministerial committees of the Executive Council, issues of food, economic integration and continental integration, in addition to the progress made in activating the African Medicines Agency, and many other topics.

Abu Zeid added that 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 strengthen bilateral relations, and exchange views on continental issues of common concern.

The foreign minister 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 spokesman 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 Jose Bueno and UAE Minister of State for African Affairs Shakhboot bin Nahyan.