At a meeting between Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, and Dr. Maryam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sudan, the position of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) in tactical funding of development projects to boost the economy and resolve financial challenges was discussed. A Sudanese committee led by Dr. Al-Mahdi met with Al Suwaidi at ADFD headquarters to discuss possible areas of cooperation. The two sides spoke about bilateral ties and ways to improve synergies in common areas of interest.

“The UAE and Sudan have cherished close and long-standing brotherly bonds spanning decades,” Al Suwaidi said at the event. The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development is eager to strengthen and sustain these ties by continuing the help to achieve overall growth and development in Sudan. This visit today is an important chance to meet and discuss connections and strategic growth and cooperation opportunities.”

Al Suwaidi praised the Fund's partnership with the Sudanese government as a model of fruitful cooperation, noting that the Fund is still operating with the Sudanese government on the remaining projects earmarked for the UAE's $1.5 billion aid package to Sudan, which was declared in April 2019.

The aid package was meant to assist Sudan's health, education, and agriculture sectors, and to sustain the country's economic and financial stability.

Dr. Al-Mahdi thanked the UAE's leadership and people for their unshakable help in promoting comprehensive sustainable growth, assisting the government in overcoming difficulties during challenging times, and empowering the Sudanese people to live more productive lives. She also appreciated ADFD's contribution to supporting Sudan's diverse economic sectors' long-term development and prosperity.

In April 2019, the UAE announced a $1.5 billion assistance package aimed at sustaining Sudan's sustainable economic development. It also deposited a $250 million financial allocation into the Central Bank of Sudan as part of the package, solidifying the Bank's financial role. The UAE contributed US$119.8 million to the Sudanese government's balance of payments.

The UAE sent 540,000 tonnes of wheat worth $144 million to Sudan to help with food security, and 136,000 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies worth $19.75 million, and $10.8 million in wheat packing bags. ADFD also provided $11.4 million in school and educational materials to meet the needs of 400,000 students.

The meeting was attended by Khalifa Al Qubaisi, ADFD's Deputy Director-General; Mohammed Amin Abdullah Al-Karib, Sudan's Ambassador to the UAE; and high-ranking representatives from both countries.

Since 1976, when ADFD started its development activities for Sudan, it has aided the Sudanese government in its attempt to enhance the country's strategic development by funding important projects in industries, electricity, transportation, water, and irrigation.

According to Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, the fund has assisted in the funding of hundreds of development projects in Jordan totaling Dhs6.5 billion, allowing the Jordanian government to meet its economic and social goals while achieving economic sustainability.

On the occasion of the UAE's involvement in Jordan's 100th-anniversary celebrations on April 11, Al Suwaidi said the fund already has strategic relations with Jordan's government for over 45 years and has been a true partner in funding strategic projects that are national objectives. He further says that the fund's projects in Jordan have contributed directly to achieve the Jordanian government's goals and priorities, supporting the local development projects, noting that these ventures concentrate on critical sectors such as education, health, transportation, energy, agriculture, irrigation, housing, and infrastructure, owing to the fund's desire to help developing countries.

The fund invested Dhs1.376 billion in energy-related growth ventures. It has helped in the implementation of strategic water and irrigation projects worth Dhs237 million, which had a positive impact on Jordan's economy. The fund contributes to Jordan's agricultural growth by funding three primary projects totaling Dhs135 million.