UAE, Ireland Discuss Cooperation in International Development

Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi has received Ciaran Madden, Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland in the UAE, in her office at the Ministry of International Cooperation and Development's headquarters in Abu Dhabi, where both sides discussed strengthening the bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of international development and humanitarian assistance. The move aims to unify related international efforts to develop poor countries.

During the meeting, Sheikha Lubna stated that the UAE aspires to strengthen its partnership with all world countries and humanitarian institutions in order to boost its developmental and humanitarian contributions with the aim of alleviating the suffering of those around the world who are afflicted with severe poverty, catastrophes and the lack of education and healthcare services and facilities.

Sheikha Lubna affirmed that offering developmental and humanitarian assistance to world countries is a solid and deep-rooted approach long adopted by the UAE under its wise leadership and that it is reflected in the UAE's attainment of the 16th rank, internationally, in the proportion of the foreign assistance it provides in relation to its Gross National Income (GNI) - according to an official report issued last week by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) Development Assistance Commission (DAC).

For his part, the Irish Ambassador congratulated the UAE on its advanced ranking in the OECD report and commended the country's overall leading international standing in the field of foreign assistance, affirming the Republic of Ireland's appreciation of the UAE's outstanding contributions towards global developmental and humanitarian aid allocation.

He pointed out that the UAE's foreign aid strategy and approach help build a stronger foundation for achieving sustainable and balanced development in aid recipient countries.