Cairo:Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Expatriates Affairs Badr Abdelatty met with Donald Kaberuka, the African Union High Representative for Financing of the Union and the Peace Fund, to discuss strategies for enhancing the financial sustainability of the African Union.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the discussions included the development of mechanisms for funding the AU's programs and activities. The meeting also addressed preparations for the upcoming Extraordinary Session of the AU Executive Council, which will involve African foreign and finance ministers and focus on union financing. This session is scheduled to take place in Accra later this month.

Official Spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry Nader Zaki reported that Abdelatty highlighted the significance of boosting the AU's financial resources and advancing self-financing mechanisms to reduce dependency on external international partners. He emphasized that these steps are crucial for maintaining African decision-making independence and ensuring sustainable funding for AU activities, particularly in areas such as peace, security, conflict prevention, dispute resolution, and peace support operations.

Abdelatty also pointed out that the main challenge is not only in securing financial resources but also in ensuring their efficient management and optimal deployment. Furthermore, he stressed the necessity of reforming the African Union Commission, streamlining its structures and bodies, and implementing structural reforms to enhance spending efficiency and eliminate redundant mandates. He expressed optimism that the Extraordinary Session will lead to practical measures that reinforce financial discipline, good governance, and long-term financial sustainability within the African Union.