H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, presided over a meeting to discuss the ministry's strategy for 2017-2021, in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Sheikh Abdullah applauded the efforts made by the various teams of the ministry and their role in enhancing the UAE's diplomacy, reinforcing the country's image at regional and international levels and in serving the interests of citizens.

He said the ministry's 2017-2021 strategy should be aligned with the government's objectives and the UAE Vision 2021, to realise the goals pertaining to fulfilling needs of the citizens, and improving government performance.

Khalid Belhoul, Director of Strategic Planning and Institutional Excellence at the Ministry, gave an overview of the new strategy and the important issues for the next five years.

Assistant ministers' presentations focussed on the high priority initiatives for 2017 and their importance in achieving the National Agenda for 2021.

Mohammed Isa Bu Shahab Al Suwaidi, Director of Policy Planning at the Ministry, highlighted the next steps, which, he said, would include formation of working teams to ensure realisation of the objectives.

The vision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is to be a leader in peaceful diplomacy, to enhance the reputation of the UAE, and to support its citizens. It aims to promote the strategic political and economic interests of the UAE through effective diplomacy to support security, stability and sustainable development, and deliver excellence in services and care for citizens abroad.

In attendance at the meeting were Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, assistant ministers, assistant under-secretaries and a number of the ministry's staff.