- the African Union was established in 1999 to promote unity and solidarity among African States, to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States and to promote international cooperation within the framework of the United Nations. Presently, the AU consists of 54 African States. Currently, over 72 Non-African States are accredited to the African Union. Among the Asian countries, Japan, China, Republic of Korea, India and Pakistan have already obtained Accreditation Status. The proposal made by Hon. (Prof.) G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, to seek accreditation within the African Union, was approved by the Cabinet.