AU Deputy Chairperson and Norwegian Minister of International Development Meet to Deepen Strategic Partnership
Nyhet | Dato: 09.05.2025 | Utenriksdepartementet
A high-level meeting took place on May 6 at the African Union Headquarters between H.E. Ms. Selma Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and H.E. Mr. Åsmund Aukrust, Norwegian Minister of International Development. The discussions focused on strengthening the longstanding and strategic partnership between the African Union (AU) and the Government of Norway.
Held in the Office of the Deputy Chairperson, the meeting underscored shared commitments to sustainable development, peace and security, democratic governance, and institutional cooperation. The two parties affirmed their intention to expand collaboration in multilateral platforms including the G20, and to align efforts addressing peace and security challenges in Africa and globally.
A key outcome of the meeting was the confirmation that a new bilateral framework agreement between Norway and the AU will be signed by the end of May 2025. This agreement will further institutionalize cooperation and expand support to priority areas outlined in the AU’s Agenda 2063 and Norway’s Africa strategy.
Priority areas for the 2025–2026 period include:
- Political Affairs: Support for elections, democratic processes, and good governance.
- Peace and Security: Contributions to mediation, peace operations, and initiatives focused on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), Women, Peace and Security (WPS), and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS).
- Sustainable Development: Emphasis on climate adaptation and support for Africa’s blue economy.
- Capacity Building: Enhanced institutional development through financing African expertise via NORCAP.
This partnership reflects a broader ecosystem of cooperation that includes support through trusted third-party organizations such as Training for Peace, NORCAP, International IDEA, and the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU).
H.E. Ms. Selma Haddadi and H.E. Mr. Aukrust also agreed to explore closer collaboration and stronger engagement in key AU-led continental initiatives such as CAADP, peace operations, and mediation networks, including the Panel of the Wise, FemWise, and WiseYouth. Both sides expressed readiness to work more closely at the global level to advance their common agenda.
The meeting reaffirmed the mutual respect and shared priorities that define AU–Norway relations. Norway reiterated its strong support for the AU Commission’s work and its continued commitment to promoting African-led solutions through genuine partnership.