The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Nigeria Mr Salem AlShamsi said both his country and Nigeria’s relations is rapidly advancing across all fields to boost their economies.
The ambassador said this at the UAE 53rd National Day celebration on Wednesday in Abuja.
The celebration, with theme, “Year of Sustainability’’ was declared by the President, Sheikh Mohammed Al Nahyan.
Also as part of the country’s sustainable efforts, it will be hosting Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week from Jan. 12 to Jan. 18, 2025.
The UAE national celebration, known as the Eid Al Eithad in Arabic, is a day to celebrate the country’s heritage of deep-rooted tradition.
The remembrance of a shared union has allowed for rich cultural diversity in the UAE.
The envoy said that 2024 had witnessed the resumption of UAE visa issuance, the return of Emirates Airlines and the launch of Thuraya services by Al Yah Satellite Communication in Nigeria.
He also said that the American Hospital Dubai Offices in had been opened Lagos and Abuja.
“These developments are part of the ongoing efforts to further strengthen the robust economic ties between our nations.
“Our bilateral, non-oil trade grew by 22 per cent between 2022 and 2023, rising from 2.2 billion dollars to 2.7 billion dollars. The UAE has also provided 22.3 million dollars in humanitarian aid.
“In this context, the Noor Dubai Foundation launched an eye treatment campaign in Abuja, treating over 3, 000 people, continuing its efforts since 2019, during which its has treated over 9 million people.
“We look forward to a robust future while being proud of our achievements so far, ” he said.
He said a personal point of pride for him was the fact that the UAE relationship with Nigeria was institutional based on the respect and mutual support in all fields,’’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the high point of the event was when two people won an all expense paid trip to the UAE sponsored by Emirates Airlines.
NAN
