AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (right) meets Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Ali Akbar Rezaei, during discussions on strengthening AU-Iran cooperation, educational exchanges, and regional diplomacy. AU/X
The African Union has reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy and stronger international partnerships as it moves to deepen cooperation with Iran in key development sectors while urging dialogue to ease global tensions.
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf made the remarks during a meeting with Iran's Ambassador Ali Akbar Rezaei, where the two leaders explored ways of strengthening ties between the African Union and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The discussions focused on expanding collaboration in science, technology, innovation and capacity building, areas both sides said are critical to achieving shared development goals.
Youssouf highlighted the long-standing relationship between Africa, the AU and Iran, acknowledging Tehran's historical engagement with the continent.
According to the AU Commission, the Chairperson underscored "the longstanding and constructive relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran, Africa, and the AU," while also recognising Iran's "rich historical and cultural heritage and its engagement with the continent".
During the meeting, Rezaei delivered a message from Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and reaffirmed Tehran's commitment to expanding cooperation with the AU and its member states.
The envoy also pledged to continue Iran's scholarship programme for African students, an initiative implemented in partnership with the AU to strengthen educational exchanges and deepen people-to-people ties between Africa and Iran.
The meeting also touched on broader regional and international developments, with Youssouf welcoming recent diplomatic progress between the United States and Iran.
"The Chairperson welcomed recent diplomatic progress between the United States and Iran and expressed support for the ongoing negotiations in Geneva," the AU said in a statement.
He urged all parties to continue engaging constructively, saying diplomacy remains the most effective way to resolve disputes and safeguard global stability.
Youssouf further warned that instability in key global trade routes is already being felt across Africa.
He noted that tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf region have had significant consequences for African economies, particularly in energy supplies, fertiliser imports and food security.
Rezaei, in turn, welcomed the AU's continued support for peaceful conflict resolution, describing the continental body as "a strong advocate for diplomatic solutions to international challenges" and a supporter of a rules-based international order.
The meeting underscored the AU's broader push to strengthen international partnerships while championing dialogue as the preferred path for addressing global disputes.
