Abu Dhabi Fund For Development Engages With Lebanon To Foster Economic Cooperation And Sustainable Growth

Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) recently joined a high-level UAE delegation visiting Lebanon. The visit aimed to strengthen economic ties and strategic partnerships between the two nations. This initiative reflects ADFD's commitment to international cooperation and sustainable development, focusing on supporting Lebanon's economic recovery and future growth.

During the visit, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Their discussions focused on expanding cooperation in economic, investment, and government sectors. This meeting was part of ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral relations and explore collaborative solutions for Lebanon's development.

The UAE delegation engaged with Lebanese leadership, including General Joseph Aoun, President of Lebanon. Discussions centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation and supporting Lebanon’s economic development efforts. Meetings were also held with Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam and ministers from various key sectors such as finance, energy, education, health, public works, telecommunications, and interior.

ADFD visited several national institutions like the Central Bank of Lebanon and the Higher Relief Council. These engagements aimed to explore collaborative opportunities that could support Lebanon’s economic recovery. The delegation also visited the Banque de l'Habitat in Beirut to discuss concessional loans for affordable housing solutions.

The UAE’s Knowledge Exchange Office was tasked with visiting Beirut to share best practices on government performance and institutional excellence. This initiative is part of a broader effort to foster knowledge exchange and support Lebanon’s aspirations for recovery and reconstruction.

Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, stated: "The Fund’s participation underscores the UAE’s commitment to supporting friendly nations, continuing its leading role in fostering international cooperation. ADFD’s partnership with Lebanon spans over five decades, during which we have helped implement strategic development projects across vital sectors such as infrastructure, education, energy, and healthcare."

Commitment to Sustainable Development

Al Suwaidi further emphasized the importance of ADFD's presence in Lebanon: "Our presence in Lebanon today reaffirms our deep commitment to supporting its government in tackling economic challenges and enhancing the quality of life for the Lebanese people. We aim to leverage our expertise and partnerships to help develop sustainable solutions that align with the country’s aspirations for recovery and reconstruction."

The Knowledge Exchange Forum highlighted ADFD's significant role in Lebanon's development since the 1970s. Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam praised ADFD as a trusted partner throughout various stages of national progress, contributing tangible improvements across key sectors.

Identifying Collaborative Opportunities

The three-day visit included site visits to critical infrastructure locations such as the Port of Beirut, Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, Beirut Governmental Hospital, and other public service institutions. These visits underscored the delegation’s focus on identifying immediate priorities and potential areas for collaboration.

The UAE delegation plans further coordination through upcoming meetings in Abu Dhabi. These discussions will focus on project implementation and follow-up on proposed initiatives aimed at supporting Lebanon's long-term development goals.

With inputs from WAM