H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, last night participated in the 1st meeting of UAE ambassadors and heads of representative missions on the African continent, which was held in the Ugandan capital, Kampala.

During the meeting, which was also attended by Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State, Sheikh Abdullah conveyed the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to the ambassadors, expressing their pride in the role and effort they are making in the service of the UAE and its citizens.

Sheikh Abdullah said, "These meetings between our ambassadors abroad and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, enrich diplomatic work through exchanging views, ideas, and listening to any difficulties they may be facing and work on solutions."

The Foreign Minister said that the African continent is witnessing rapid growth in its population and is able to accommodate various types of foreign investments. "Our geographical proximity to Africa, serves as an opportunity to benefit from their strategic links and activate them in several areas," he added.

Sheikh Abdullah also pointed out that the UAE aims to increase the presence of diplomatic missions in Africa in the coming years.

He also asserted the importance of the role played by ambassadors in serving issues of their country, implementing state policies, and proposing initiatives and ideas that support bilateral relations between the UAE and other countries, such as the signing of important agreements to avoid double taxation, investment protection, air transport, and cultural cooperation.

In her speech, Reem Al Hashimy stressed the importance of UAE relations with African nations, praising the role of ambassadors and heads of mission representatives in Africa in the face of all the challenges and obstacles there, and for representing the country in the most difficult areas.

During the forum, the Minister of State reviewed the UAE's strategic approach in Africa and stressed the importance of exchanging plans, views and ideas with full transparency in line with the country's active diplomatic role.

Al Hashimy concluded, "The UAE enjoys a good reputation amongst African people and we are proud of this historic relationship which is based on brotherhood and mutual respect that began years ago, and one that will continue over the years."