The United Arab Emirates has highlighted its expanding investment and development partnership with Nigeria and other African countries, citing increased trade, infrastructure financing and technology investments as part of its broader engagement with the continent.
The First Vice President of the Asian-African Parliamentary Council and President of the International Federation of Asian and African Trade Unions, Saud Rashid Al-Hajilan, stated this in a statement marking Union Era Day.
Al-Hajilan described the occasion as a milestone in the UAE’s history, saying it reflected the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the country’s founding fathers, whose efforts laid the foundation for national unity, development and stability.
He also highlighted the UAE’s role in regional and international affairs, citing its diplomatic engagements, humanitarian activities and support for security, stability, dialogue and cooperation among nations.
Al-Hajilan said that under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the country continued to build on Sheikh Zayed’s legacy by strengthening its international standing through humanitarian initiatives and efforts to promote peace and sustainable development.
He said the approach was reflected in the UAE’s expanding development partnership with Africa through increased trade and economic cooperation, as well as investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, renewable energy and food security.
According to him, institutions such as the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development continue to finance and oversee infrastructure projects aimed at improving regional connectivity, supporting economic growth and enhancing living standards in partner countries.
He added that the UAE’s $1bn AI for Development initiative further supports the partnership by funding artificial intelligence projects across African countries to strengthen digital infrastructure, improve government services and boost productivity in support of sustainable development and innovation-driven growth.
Al-Hajilan congratulated the UAE’s leadership and citizens on the occasion of Union Era Day and wished the country continued progress, prosperity and success in promoting peace, stability and development at the regional and international levels.
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