UAE launches 5-year foreign aid strategy

The strategy — which will run from 2017 to 2021 — will focus on three topics: women’s empowerment and protection, transport and urband infrastructure and technical cooperation.

ABU DHABI // A five-year plan for foreign aid was unveiled on Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The strategy, which will run from next year to 2021, will focus on three topics – women’s empowerment and protection, transport and urban infrastructure and technical cooperation.

The plan was launched under the patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, at a ceremony held at the ministry. Reem Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation, senior officials from government departments and partners from the private sector attended.

Ms Al Hashemi spoke about the role of foreign aid in fulfilling the UAE Vision 2021, launched by President Sheikh Khalifa and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

“The UAE seeks to establish a new approach based on providing assistance through developmental projects that benefit the beneficiary countries,” she said.

“The wise UAE leadership has decided on a clear approach that does not link humanitarian aid with the policies of the beneficiary countries. This has earned the UAE high respect and appreciation globally.”