A delegation from the UAE is participating in the 8th edition of the Francophone Games, hosted by the Cote d’Ivoire from 21st to 30th July, 2017, with the participation of over 60 French-speaking countries.

The UAE delegation to Abidjan is led by Abdul Mohsin Fahad Al Dosari, Assistant Secretary-General of Sports Affairs at the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare, and includes Khalid Abdullah Al Hussein, Director of the Department of Sports Affairs Authority, and Mohammed bin Darwish, Executive Director of the National Olympic Committee.

Al Dosari stated that the participation of the UAE delegation in the event is a response to an invitation from the International Organisation of La Francophonie in the Cote d’Ivoire to participate in the Francophone Games, where over 4,000 athletes will participate. This reflects the exceptional global stature of the UAE, he added.

He also highlighted the desire of UAE’s wise leadership to deepen the country’s ties of cooperation and promote its relations with all communities around the world, which has made the UAE, under the presidency of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the perfect international destination.

The UAE delegation visited various sporting facilities and destinations, while accompanied by Michaelle Jean, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie. They also met with sports officials in the Cote d’Ivoire to discuss future cooperation.

Al Dosari thanked the Cote d’Ivoire government for their invitation, and praised the generous reception for the UAE delegation, which reflects the strong ties between both countries.

The Francophone Games takes place every four years and is organised by the International Organisation of La Francophonie, which has a membership of 90 countries.