Conclusion of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Summit
The 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Summit concluded today, February 15, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This session allowed for the finalization of the examination of issues affecting the African continent and its partnerships, as well as the adoption of decisions submitted by the Union's Executive Council in various areas related to peace and security in Africa, economic integration programs, and water and energy security.
Examination of the Situation in Palestine and the Middle East
During the examination of the report on the situation in Palestine and the Middle East, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad, Mohamed Ali Nafti, reaffirmed Tunisia's constant principled position in support of the Palestinian people's struggles and their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent and fully sovereign state on the entire Palestinian territory, with Al-Quds Al-Charif as its capital. He welcomed African solidarity with the Palestinian people and the honorable position of the African Union in the face of the aggressions suffered by the Palestinian territories over the past two years. The Minister also renewed the call to the international community to assume its responsibilities to ensure the permanence of the ceasefire and the protection of the Palestinian people.
Bilateral Meetings
On this occasion, Minister Nafti met with his Egyptian counterpart, Dr. Badr Abdel Aty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad. The two parties reiterated their common will to consolidate the historical relations between the two countries and to work towards strengthening bilateral cooperation in all fields, in light of the recommendations issued by the 18th session of the High Joint Commission held in Cairo in September 2025, and to follow up on them in accordance with the aspirations of the two brotherly peoples. They also expressed their willingness to prepare for the scheduled bilateral deadlines and to intensify coordination between the two countries in multilateral forums at the African and international levels.
The two Ministers also emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination and consultation in light of the conclusions of the tripartite consultation mechanism meeting on Libya between the Foreign Ministers of Tunisia, Egypt, and Algeria, held in Tunis on January 26, 2026, in order to provide the necessary support for the achievement of a political settlement under the auspices of the United Nations, within the framework of a Libyan-Libyan solution that guarantees the unity and territorial integrity of Libya and responds to the aspirations of the Libyan people for stability and prosperity.
Meeting with the Director General of the Africa CDC
Minister Nafti also held a meeting with Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The discussions focused on the importance of developing cooperation between Tunisia and this African body in various health fields, benefiting from Tunisian experience and expertise for the benefit of African countries, and promoting the medical system in Africa in line with global technological and digital developments. The exchanges also addressed investment opportunities available in Tunisia in the pharmaceutical and vaccine industries, as well as prospects for strengthening exports to African markets. For his part, the African official stated that the Tunisian health system is a model in Africa, expressing the Center's willingness to intensify cooperation with Tunisia and benefit from its recognized experience and high-level competencies, with a view to a planned visit to Tunisia in the near future.
Meeting with the President of the African Development Bank
Minister Nafti also met with Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), during which the importance of strengthening cooperation between Tunisia and this important financial institution was emphasized, particularly in terms of financing development and investment projects, as well as programming a working visit to Tunisia in the near future.
Meeting with the Secretary General of COMESA
Finally, Minister Nafti held a meeting with Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, Secretary General of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), reaffirming Tunisia's commitment to African common action and its willingness to actively contribute to the realization of economic integration between African countries, by supporting mechanisms aimed at intensifying trade exchanges in the COMESA region. For her part, the African official highlighted the central role of Tunisia within the COMESA Common Market, expressing her wish to make a visit to Tunisia soon in order to further strengthen coordination with the competent Tunisian structures in the commercial field.
Read also: AU Summit: Mohamed Ali Nafti reaffirms Tunisia's unwavering support for Palestine
