
Building bridges with the United Arab Emirates to advance regional cooperation and socio-economic development in the Mediterranean
Barcelona, 13 November 2014. The UfM delegation met with representatives from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development to discuss ways to establish strategic operational cooperation through the pursuit of regional and international initiatives, thereby helping to achieve common goals in infrastructure, integrated urban development and private sector growth. The organisations discussed ways to link with other development actors and financing institutions. The establishment of an official partnership is envisaged to develop joint initiatives in the aforementioned fields, assess projects for possible funding, hold regular consultations and organise joint field missions.
UfM representatives also held meetings with the UAE Ministry of International Cooperation and Development (MICAD). Discussions focused on operational ways to advance collaboration and financing for regional activities and projects in fields of common interest such as infrastructure, employment opportunities, renewable energy and socio-economic development.
UfM Secretary General Sijilmassi said: “Establishing strong, strategic partnerships beyond UfM countries and building bridges between Europe, North Africa and the Gulf regions are crucial to advance regional cooperation initiatives and sustainable socio-economic development in the Mediterranean. We need to exploit synergies and enhance coordination between key international cooperation frameworks and actors to further advance the regional cooperation agenda.”
The delegation took part in the coordination meeting between the European Union Heads of Mission in order to exchange information with EU Ambassadors on UfM activities and developments and brief them on the UfM Secretariat’s partnerships with UAE organisations.