Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, ADFD, the leading national entity for development aid, hosted a high-profile delegation from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MoFAIC, to coordinate efforts in achieving the objectives of the UAE Foreign Aid Strategy, 2017-2021.

The opening session was chaired by Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the ADFD, and drew the participation of Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for International Development Affairs, as well as technical committee officials and senior representatives of the two entities.

During a series of meetings and workshops, the attendees explored the latest guidelines in international development funding, examined ways to step up support through the implementation of joint initiatives across various levels, and identified methods to streamline the exchange of information and enhance cooperation in the fields of media communications and training.

The UAE Foreign Aid Strategy aims to provide support to beneficiary countries through development projects that focus on three key areas, empowerment and protection of women, transport and urban infrastructure, and technical cooperation.

Speaking on the occasion, Al Suwaidi said, "Under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, our nation has succeeded internationally in attaining a leading position in the field of foreign development assistance."

He added, "ADFD provides development funding that alleviates global poverty and supports beneficiary countries in achieving their long-term socio-economic goals. To date, the fund has financed 528 projects valued at more than AED80 billion in 87 countries across key sectors, most notably infrastructure, transport, energy, agriculture, water and electricity, healthcare and social services."

Al Shamsi said, "The coordination meeting is an example of the continuous and strong communication and cooperative efforts shared between the MoFAIC and ADFD. It aimed at boosting implementation of common objectives notably the vision of the UAE in providing support to brotherly and friendly countries in line with the Sustainable Development Goals as well as alleviating living standards and stability."