The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) took part in steps towards enhancing regional and international cooperation by participating in the 3rd EU-AU Ministerial Meeting held on 21 May 2025 at the European Union Headquarters in Brussels. Secretary General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe represented COMESA alongside African Union (AU) and European Union (EU) Foreign Ministers in discussions aimed at deepening partnerships across key areas of mutual interest.

The meeting focused on advancing collaboration in peace and security, multilateralism, economic prosperity, and fostering people-to-people connections between Africa and Europe. The gathering underscored the importance of a united approach to global challenges and the ongoing commitment to strengthening Africa-Europe ties.

On the sidelines of the ministerial talks, Secretary General Kapwepwe engaged in a bilateral meeting with H.E. Dr. Badr Abdelelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The discussions centered on bolstering cooperation and trade facilitation among COMESA member states, particularly in health and medicine, tourism, and infrastructure development.

The dialogue also explored avenues for transferring expertise in establishing and managing specialized economic and industrial zones, with an emphasis on green economy initiatives and solar energy projects. Both officials acknowledged the vital role COMESA member states play in supporting regional economic integration and the activities of the COMESA Secretariat and its institutions.

Minister Abdelelatty lauded the efforts of the COMESA Secretary General during Egypt’s tenure as COMESA chair, highlighting the progress made in deepening economic integration across the region.

In addition to these engagements, HE Kapwepwe paid a courtesy visit to HE Mousa S. Batraki, the newly appointed Secretary General of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). The two leaders discussed avenues for collaboration between COMESA and OACPS, emphasizing the significance of the new Partnership Agreement (Samoa Agreement). The agreement introduces a regional dimension and underscores the essential role of regional organizations in achieving shared development objectives.

Both Secretaries General reaffirmed the importance of the OACPS Inter-Regional Organizations Coordination Committee in addressing crosscutting issues and enhancing the effectiveness of their collective efforts.

As Africa continues to forge strategic partnerships with global and regional organizations, these engagements mark a pivotal step toward fostering sustainable development, economic integration, and regional stability across Africa and beyond.