Commissioner Chergui Receives Ambassador of the United States of America, H.E Reuben E. Brigety

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, November 27, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union (AU), Ambassador Smail Chergui, met today with the Ambassador of the United States of America to the African Union, H.E Reuben E. Brigety.

The meeting provided them with an opportunity to exchange views on the USA's long-standing support to the African Union and its willingness to enhance its partnership. The US Ambassador reaffirmed his government's recognition of the leadership role of the AU on the African continent. They agreed on the need for a comprehensive approach to peace and security, which addresses the socio-economic dimension of conflicts. They also discussed the support to the operationalization of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), in particular the African Standby Force (ASF). Ambassador Brigety informed the Commissioner of the personal interest taken by the President of the USA in exploring ways in which to strengthen the relationship between the UN Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council.

They also discussed the situation in the Central Africa Republic (CAR). In this regard the Ambassador of USA expressed his country's keenness to assist the AU's efforts in the political transition. The Commissioner expressed his thanks to the US government for its support to the AU position on the CAR in the recent discussions within the UN Security Council and looked forward to a continuation of the US support in all areas of cooperation.