#UNGA81 AUC Chairperson held bilateral with President of the Council of Europe

This afternoon in New York, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, held a bilateral meeting with H.E. @alain_berset, President of the Council of Europe.

They exchanged views on strengthening AU-Council of Europe cooperation, with discussions covering governance, democracy, the rule of law, human rights, climate change, & other areas of shared interest.

They underscored the importance of stronger regional cooperation in reinforcing the multilateral system & supporting the United Nations at a time of profound global transformation. The Chairperson stressed the need to revitalise multilateralism through meaningful reform & greater respect for the principles of the rules-based international order.

The two principals welcomed the proposal to explore a regional multilateralism forum, bringing together the AU, @coe & Organization of American States, with a view to strengthening dialogue, coordination & cooperation among regional organisations in support of the UN system.

The Chairperson also highlighted the AU's ongoing institutional reform process, including efforts to strengthen implementation & the delivery of Agenda 2063, as well as Africa's priorities on peace & security, sustainable development, climate justice & reform of the international financial architecture.

Mr Berset & Chairperson Youssouf reaffirmed the shared interest in advancing structured AU-Council of Europe engagement & exploring practical mechanisms for sustained cooperation.