ADFD Holds Meeting with Sudanese Minister of Foreign Affairs

• Dr Maryam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi: UAE support allocated at an important time and works to enhance the capacity of the Sudanese economy to face challenges
• His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi: The Fund continues to implement projects as part of the economic aid package earmarked for Sudan

Abu Dhabi-UAE: – Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), the UAE’s leading development financing institution driving sustainable development at home and abroad, welcomed a high-level delegation from Sudan at its headquarters. Headed by Her Excellency Dr Maryam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sudan, the delegation met with His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD and explored potential areas of cooperation.

His Excellency Khalifa Al Qubaisi, Deputy Director General of ADFD, His Excellency Mohammed Amin Abdullah Al-Karib, the Sudanese Ambassador to the UAE, and high-level officials from both countries attended the meeting. The two sides discussed bilateral relations between the UAE and Sudan and explored ways of enhancing synergies in shared areas of interest. The meeting also examined ADFD’s leading role in strategic financing of development projects that help stimulate the economy and overcome financial challenges.

Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi said: “The UAE and Sudan have enjoyed strong and long-standing brotherly ties dating back decades. Thanks to the directives of the wise leadership, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development is keen to strengthen and support these relations by 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.”

Praising the partnership between the Fund and the Sudanese government as a model of constructive collaboration, His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi noted that Fund is continuing to coordinate with the Sudanese government in the implementation of the remainder of projects earmarked through the UAE’s US$1.5 billion aid package to Sudan. Announced in April 2019, the aid package aimed at maintaining Sudan’s economic and financial stability, as well as supporting the health, education, and agriculture sectors.

For her part, Dr Maryam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi extended her appreciation to the UAE’s wise leadership and commended the people of the country for their unwavering support to bolster comprehensive sustainable development, support the government in facing challenges during difficult times, and enable the Sudanese people to lead more prosperous lives. She noted and praised ADFD’s commitment to promote sustainable growth and prosperity of various economic sectors in Sudan.

In April 2019, the UAE pledged an aid package aimed at maintaining Sudan’s economic and financial stability worth US$1.5 billion. As part of the package, the UAE also deposited a financial allocation of US$250 million into the Central Bank of Sudan (CBOS), to strengthen the Bank’s financial position. They UAE also supported the Sudanese government balance of payment with US$119.8 million.

Moreover, the UAE dispatched 540,000 tonnes of wheat worth US$144 million to enhance food security in Sudan, 136,000 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies with a value of US$19.75 million, as well as US$10.8 million worth of wheat packing bags. In the framework of the same aid package, ADFD also supplied school and educational supplies, valued at US$11.4 million, to cover the needs of 400,000 students.

Since the commencement of its development activities in Sudan in 1976, ADFD has supported the Sudanese government in its efforts to improve the country's strategic development by financing important projects across key sectors including in industry, energy, transportation, water, and irrigation.

-Ends- 

About Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD)

Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) is a leading national entity for economic development aid owned by the Abu Dhabi government. Established in 1971, it aims to help emerging countries by providing concessionary loans to finance sustainable development projects as well as administering long-term investments and direct contributions. In addition to managing development grants offered by the Abu Dhabi government, ADFD has adopted a policy of supporting the national economy and financing UAE private sector investments. Since its inception, ADFD has marked developmental milestones in 97 developing countries. Spanning the last 49 years, the Fund's development projects and investments, valued at AED104 billion, have helped the international community achieve sustainable economic growth as well as drive the implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

www.adfd.ae 

© Press Release 2021