ADFD meets with Sudanese foreign minister to strengthen strategic cooperation and development
Sudanese Foreign Minister Dr. Maryam al-Sadiq al-Mahdi, who is currently on an official visit to the UAE leading a high-level delegation, met on Tuesday with the Director General of the Abu Dhabi Development Fund (ADFD), Mohammed Saif al-Suwaidi, at the ADFD headquarters.
The two sides discussed bilateral relations and explored ways to enhance synergies in areas of shared interest. They also discussed ADFD's leading role in the strategic financing framework, including development projects that help stimulate the economy and overcome financial challenges. Dr. al-Mahdi and al-Suwaidi explored potential areas of cooperation.
"The UAE and Sudan have enjoyed strong and enduring fraternal ties dating back decades. Thanks to the directives of the wise leadership, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development wishes to strengthen and support these relations, continuing the process of achieving comprehensive development in Sudan. Today's visit is an important opportunity to meet and discuss relations and avenues for strategic development and cooperation," said al-Suwaidi.
Al-Suwaidi, praising the partnership between the Fund and the Sudanese government as a constructive collaboration plan, noted that the Fund will continue to coordinate with the Sudanese government in the implementation of the remaining purposes designed through the UAE's April 2019 announced aid package of USD 1.5 billion to Sudan. This aid project aims to maintain Sudan's economic and financial stability, in addition to supporting the health, education and agriculture sectors.
Dr. al-Mahdi, for her part, expressed her gratitude to the Government and citizens of the UAE for their unwavering support in advancing comprehensive sustainable development, helping the Government face challenges in difficult times and enabling the Sudanese people to lead a more prosperous life. He also commended ADFD's commitment to promote sustainable growth and prosperity of various economic sectors in Sudan.
The United Arab Emirates pledged in April 2019 an aid package aimed at maintaining Sudan's economic and financial stability. This package is worth $1.5 billion. They also added a financial contribution of $250 million to the Central Bank of Sudan, as a contribution to strengthen the Bank's financial position. The UAE in turn supported the Sudanese government's balance of payments with $119.8 million.
In addition, 540,000 tonnes of wheat worth $144 million were shipped by the UAE to improve food security in Sudan. At the same time, 136,000 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies worth $19.75 million and wheat packaging bags worth $10.8 million were shipped. ADFD also provided school and educational materials valued at $11.4 million, covering the needs of 400,000 students.
ADFD Deputy Director General Khalifa al-Qubaisi, along with Mohammed Amin Abdullah al-Karib, Ambassador of Sudan to the UAE, and high-level officials from both countries attended the meeting.
Since the beginning of its development activities in Sudan in 1976, ADFD has supported the Sudanese government in its efforts to enhance the country's strategic development by funding major projects in key sectors such as industry, energy, transport, water and irrigation.
The Abu Dhabi Development Fund (ADFD) is a leading national economic development assistance institution owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi. It was established in 1971 and aims to assist emerging countries by providing concessional loans to finance sustainable development projects. As well as managing long-term investments and direct contributions.
In addition, by managing the development grants offered by the Government of Abu Dhabi, ADFD has adopted a policy of supporting the national economy and financing UAE private sector investments. Since its inception, ADFD has set development milestones in 97 developing countries. Over the past 49 years, the Fund's development projects and investments, valued at AED 104 billion (UAE Dirham), have helped the international community achieve sustainable economic growth as well as advance the implementation of the United Nations.
