New cooperation agreement between Norway and the African Union (AU)
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Published under: Solberg's Government
Publisher: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
News story | Date: 17/12/2018 | Last updated: 18/12/2018
Norway and the African Union (AU) have signed a three-year cooperation agreement, with a framework of NOK 180 million over three years, to strengthen the political dialogue and cooperation between Norway and the AU.
‘In recent years, the AU has gained considerable importance as a political arena for African countries and as Africa’s voice in international forums. At a time when global norms and multilateral cooperation are under pressure, the AU is a vital partner for Norway. We particularly want to help to further strengthen the AU’s ability to prevent and resolve conflicts,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide.
Cooperation under the agreement will support the implementation of Africa's own sustainable development framework, Agenda 2063. Norway will support the AU’s work on peace and security, democracy and governance, sustainable development and job creation, as well as capacity-building in the AU Commission.
In October 2018, Norway established a Norwegian delegation to the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa. The delegation is headed by Ambassador Morten Aasland.