Ethiopia–African Union relations
Ethiopia is one of founding African states of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) (now the African Union) on 25 May 1963 under Emperor Haile Selassie, headquartered in Addis Ababa. At the time the organization evolved up to 54 African states, except Morocco. Ethiopia played strong stable power in the AU as a driving force of joint UN-AU peacekeeping mission in the regional affairs, particularly in the Horn of Africa. The AU as independent organ, allows Ethiopia to influence its policies, shape and impact continental policies that have bearings internally and regionally. Today, Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa is home of major organizations such as African Union, Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and African Standby Force. History In 1961, the Africa Hall was officially inaugurated by Emperor Haile Selassie, designated by architect Arturo Mezzedimi. On 25 May 1963, Haile Selassie invited the heads of the 32 independent African states at the time to convene in Addis Ababa. The conference resulted formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which evolved membership to 54 of 55 member state at the time. Morocco was the only state to decline membership. Haile Selassie delivered speech in