Abdullah bin Zayed gets ''Friend of Africa'' Shield

Abu Dhabi, June 13, 2011 (WAM) - H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Foreign Minister, welcomed yesterday ambassadors of African countries accredited to the UAE who called on him to congratulate him for being chosen as ''Friend of Africa''.
Sheikh Abdullah assured the African envoys of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan's keenness of further bolstering relations of cooperation and friendship with African countries in light of the historic ties and mutual interests.
Sheikh Abdullah affirmed that the UAE is also determined to pursue its policy of delivering humanitarian assistance to African countries. The UAE foreign minister expressed deep gratitude to the African diplomats for awarding him the high-prestigious honour.
For their part, the African ambassadors highlighted the depth of relations between the UAE and their respective countries and said they were grateful to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan,Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for their efforts towards development and stability of African countries. At the end of the meeting, the diplomats presented the Award's Shield to Sheikh Abdullah. - Emirates News Agency, WAM