Luanda: Angola highlighted on Tuesday the importance of the holding of the 49th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) given the need to approve the organization's budget for 2027. The position was presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tete Antonio, during the second meeting of the Bureau of the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the African Union held via videoconference, in which he represented the President of the Republic, Joo Louren§o.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the minister highlighted the importance of the meeting due to the urgency in endorsing African candidacies to international organizations and continuing the ongoing institutional reforms. Tete Antonio stated that Angola took good note of the position presented by Egypt regarding the postponement of the 49th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 8th Semiannual Coordination Meeting of the African Union, initially scheduled for June, expressing solidarity with the host State in light of the exceptional circumstances that motivated the request.
The minister suggested the 49th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council to take place during the month of July, adding that Member States should assess the most appropriate format for holding the meeting, including the virtual modality, through prior agreement on the most convenient date. Regarding the 8th Semiannual Coordination Meeting, Angola expressed support for Egypt's proposal to hold it in October, so that the meeting can take place under conditions considered appropriate.
T©te Ant³nio observed that the African Union has faced other exceptional circumstances throughout its history, which allowed it to adopt solutions compatible with the current situation. He added that the proposal balances solidarity with the host State and the need to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of the organization's work.
The minister advocated that the solution that reaches consensus within the Conference Bureau be submitted to the formal approval of all member states through the silent procedure, as advised by the African Union's legal advisor. He mentioned that this approach will ensure a balanced, legally consistent decision capable of safeguarding the organization's institutional dynamics and the interests of its member states.
The minister reaffirmed Angola's commitment to a stronger African Union, capable of responding to the continent's challenges, in order to preserve the principles of solidarity, consensus, and unity that guide the organization.