German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) advocated for a free trade agreement with the African Union on Tuesday. During the visit of the Chair of the African Union Commission, Mahamud Ali Jussuf, to Berlin, Merz emphasized that the European Union is “the most important trading partner and investor in Africa, with a trade volume of 350 billion euros, and to achieve even more, an African free trade zone is also vital”. He stated that looking ahead, a comprehensive free trade agreement between the African and European Unions is desired, noting that current major geopolitical crises have taught this lesson: “Diversification is the key to reducing dependencies on both sides of the Mediterranean”.
Merz also spoke out in favor of reforming the international order, pointing out that “Africa’s voice at the United Nations must become more prominent”. Regarding the UN Security Council, he added that Germany supports the desire for two permanent African seats.
In response, Jussuf thanked Germany for its support for peace and the development of African Union member states. The Commission Chair remarked that “In these challenging times and the ensuing economic crisis, the African Union is relying on Germany”. Furthermore, Jussuf announced that the African Union will actively promote peace in current conflicts, assuring attendees, “The African Union will always be at the center of mediation efforts, and the African Union will also become involved”.
