Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development and President of Zayed University, stressed that that the UAE's foreign relations with the world continue to be instrumental in promoting development in all developing countries and poor communities, and strengthening the ability of influential states and humanitarian and relief organisations to effectively respond to all humanitarian crises and disasters.

She was speaking during a meeting at Zayed University with visiting French Minister of State for Development and Francophony, Annick Girardin.

This approach, Al Qasimi noted, is in line with the UAE's efforts toward enhancing its positive participation in finding solutions to current challenges, including climate change and the spread of infectious and dangerous diseases, that threaten the future of humanity.

During the meeting, the pair discussed ways of strengthening the UAE-French partnership in all areas of humanitarian action and international development.

Minister Al Qasimi said relations between the UAE and France in all spheres are strong and historic and reflect their agreement on the need for supporting and improving international development efforts as well as strengthening their humanitarian agencies' effective response to many humanitarian crises, in Syria in particular.

They also discussed the UAE's effective response to the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, and the resulting progress made in the country thanks to the UAE wise leadership, namely President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Minister Al Qasimi noted that the UAE is the world's largest donor of humanitarian aid to Yemen, and that more than 1.8 million Yemenis benefited from her country's aid.

In 2015, the UAE granted more than Dh1.6 billion in aid to Yemen, and restored infrastructure in many Yemeni governorates, she said.

Al Qasimi and the French minister also discussed the positive impact of the Paris climate change agreement, concluded last month by the world leaders, and the ensuing international efforts to promote the use of clean energy and renewable energy, in developing countries in particular.

The French Minister of State for Development and Francophony praised the UAE's efforts to promote international development and support developing countries and poor communities, as well as its response to humanitarian crises.

She also commended the progress of relations with the UAE in all spheres and the UAE's ambitious plans to promote economic diversification and focus on renewable energy projects.
Source: WAM