The UAE has announced its intention to make two financial donations to the United Nations; US$15 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, UNRWA, to help in its basic programmes for Palestinian refugees, and another $15 million will be allocated to support UN Women over the next three years.

The announcement was made during a meeting between H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, on the sidelines of the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

During the meeting, they discussed joint cooperation between the UAE and the UN, its agencies and various institutions, as well as means of boosting these relations and cooperation in various fields, especially development, humanitarian and relief areas.

The UAE Foreign Minister and the UN Secretary-General also reviewed the coordination of political positions on the most important regional issues of common concern, particularly the situation in Yemen and Libya, as well as the latest developments in the Palestinian issue and efforts to revive the peace process.

Sheikh Abdullah reiterated the UAE's keenness to continue working with the United Nations and coordinating with it on all levels to enhance its positive role, alongside other international partners, in supporting its efforts to contain many of the regional security and humanitarian challenges, especially those facing the Gulf and Arab region in particular.

The UN Secretary-General expressed his thanks to the UAE leadership, government and people for their generous support to the UN programmes, activities and funds as well as for its positive political and humanitarian role in support of efforts to address many pressing issues in the region and elsewhere.

Also present during the meeting were Dr. Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, Shamma bint Sohail Faris AlMazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and Ambassador Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, the UAE's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.

During the UN General Assembly, the UAE has expressed its deep appreciation for the UNRWA's work, which, it said, is serious and important in supporting Palestinian citizens in the areas of education, health and food, and highlighted its support to these humanitarian efforts.

The UAE has commended the UN Women's role in supporting women's issues, adding that the UAE's national experience in the empowerment of women is one of its most important achievements.