Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) hosted a high-level parliamentary delegation from Senegal at its headquarters, to discuss sustained cooperation in achieving the Senegalese government’s development priorities.

Attending the meeting were Mohammad Saif Al Suwaidi, director-general of ADFD; Moustapha Niasse, president of the National Assembly of Senegal; Jassim Abdullah Al Naqabi, member of the Legislative and Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee at the UAE Federal National Council (FNC); and other senior representatives of the two sides.

The meeting explored opportunities for ADFD to support the development objectives of Senegal, and examined the ADFD’s wider role in financing socioeconomic projects across Africa.

Welcoming the delegation, Al Suwaidi said: “The UAE and Senegal have enjoyed strong bilateral ties for decades, and ADFD is proud to have played an instrumental role in enhancing these strategic relations.”

He added: “ADFD is committed to helping the Senegalese government achieve its sustainable development goals. Since 1978, the Fund has provided concessionary loans worth Dh240 million to finance five vital projects in the agriculture, transportation and renewable energy sectors in Senegal.

“In addition to those sectors, the funds positively impacted related areas such as infrastructure, health, and water — thereby facilitating the Government of Senegal in achieving its socioeconomic objectives. By creating job opportunities and stimulating the economy, they have improved the quality of life of the local population.”

ADFD is a national organisation owned by the Abu Dhabi government. Established in 1971, its purpose is to help emerging countries by providing concessionary loans to finance sustainable development projects alongside other long-term investments and direct contributions.