The UAE is looking to strengthen its relations with the countries of Africa, building on the existing cooperation and partnerships in all fields, Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development (MICAD) an Head of the U.A.E. Committee for the Coordination of Foreign Humanitarian Aid, has said.

Al Qasimi said that supporting various sectors of development in African countries top the priorities of the UAE's foreign aid programme in light of the directive of the wise leadership of the state represented by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to support and meet the aspirations of the peoples of the developing countries, including the African countries.

This came when Sheikha Lubna met with President Hifikepunye Pohambaof Namibia, on the side-lines of the 3rd International Conference on Financing for Development, which started yesterday in Addis Ababa. During the meeting, Sheikha Lubna described relations between the UAE and Namibia as substantially strong, based on mutual interests and driven by development efforts in Namibia. She stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation and partnership relations in all fields between the two countries in light of the availability of many opportunities and channels.

President Hifikepunye Pohamba affirmed his country's keenness to enhance cooperation and partnership with the UAE in the framework of the successes achieved by the UAE at the level of development plans, programmes, progress, commitments and contributions towards the support for international development sectors.
Source: WAM