MENA Newswire, ABU DHABI: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held talks with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal on Thursday, focusing on ways to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in priority sectors, according to an official readout of the meeting. The discussions took place in Abu Dhabi during Faye’s working visit to the United Arab Emirates.
The leaders met at Qasr Al Shati, where they reviewed the state of UAE-Senegal relations and discussed practical steps to deepen collaboration across areas linked to development and shared economic interests. The agenda included coordination on initiatives intended to support prosperity in both countries, with officials framing the talks as part of ongoing engagement between the two governments.
In their discussions, Mohamed bin Zayed and Faye covered cooperation in the economy and trade, renewable energy and sustainability, and infrastructure, among other fields. The talks also addressed opportunities to build partnerships that can translate into projects and investments, with an emphasis on sectors that contribute to growth and long-term development outcomes.
The meeting came as Faye’s visit included participation in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026, an annual gathering in the UAE that convenes governments, companies, and other stakeholders around energy transition, sustainability, and related economic issues. The leaders noted the forum’s role as a platform for dialogue and collaboration on sustainability challenges, the official statement said.
UAE-Senegal talks highlight cooperation in economy and sustainability
Beyond bilateral cooperation, the two presidents exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, the statement said, without detailing specific topics. Such consultations are commonly included in high-level visits and are intended to maintain communication on developments affecting both regions, particularly as the UAE and Senegal continue to engage in multilateral settings.
Senior UAE officials attended the meeting, including Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, alongside other ministers and senior representatives. The presence of top-level officials underscored the breadth of issues covered and the multi-sector nature of the UAE’s engagement with Senegal, spanning economic, energy, and infrastructure priorities.
For his part, Faye’s working visit formed part of Senegal’s international outreach following political and economic transitions in 2024, as Dakar seeks to advance partnerships that support investment, employment, and development needs. The UAE has expanded its diplomatic and economic engagement across Africa in recent years, with senior-level visits and cooperation agreements reflecting a focus on trade, energy, and strategic infrastructure.
Meeting includes senior officials and reflects longstanding UAE-Senegal ties
UAE-Senegal relations have developed over decades through diplomatic engagement and cooperation across multiple fields, including economic exchange and development initiatives. Officials have previously highlighted collaboration in areas such as energy, transportation, and social development, alongside broader people-to-people links supported by official visits and institutional cooperation.
The UAE statement said both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties and exploring additional avenues of cooperation. The meeting concluded with both sides emphasizing the importance of continued coordination to advance mutually beneficial projects, with sustainability, trade, and infrastructure among the key areas identified in the talks.