Africa-Press – Eritrea. An Eritrean delegation led by Mr. Biniam Berhe, Charge d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy in Ethiopia and Eritrea’s Permanent Representative to the African Union and the Economic Commission for Africa, participated in the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 14 and 15 February. The Session was conducted under the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
At the event, the Eritrean delegation provided a briefing on the stance of the Eritrean Government, focusing on the main agenda of the session in general, particularly on reform, ensuring peace and security, cooperation, and the newly proposed annual contributions of member states.
The Eritrean delegation also urged Africa, at this time of changing global order, to thoroughly review and design programs based on available opportunities to ensure its rightful place, safeguard its peace and security, address socio-economic challenges, and align resources for the betterment of its people.
The session adopted various resolutions and guidelines. According to the proposal to elect individuals and countries to represent the African Union in various global forums, Eritrea was elected to serve as one of the Deputy Presidents of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The session, for the third time, condemned the unilateral sanctions imposed on Eritrea, South Sudan, and Zimbabwe, and called for their immediate lifting. The Session also condemned the unilateral recognition of Israel to Somaliland and adopted a resolution supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.
The 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union elected a new executive body, and President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi was elected as Chairman of the African Union for 2026.
On the sidelines of the Session, the Eritrean delegation met and held talks with various delegations focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.
On 14 February, Mr. Biniam Berhe met with the President of the African Development Bank, Mr. Sidi Ould Tah. At the meeting, Mr. Biniam expressed Eritrea’s readiness to strengthen the existing partnership with the Development Bank. Mr. Sidi Ould Tah, on his part, stated that he would exert strong efforts to expand the ongoing partnership between Eritrea and the Bank.
The Eritrean delegation also met and held discussions focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation with representatives of Germany and Portugal, as well as with the Director of the African Energy Commission.
The Eritrean delegation led by Mr. Biniam Berhe also participated in the Africa-Italy Conference convened on 13 February.
