ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye during his official visit to the United Arab Emirates. The two leaders explored the relationship between their countries and discussed strategies to enhance bilateral cooperation. Their discussions centered on investment, economic growth, and development initiatives. Additionally, they exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual concern. This meeting took place in Abu Dhabi on September 17.
During their talks, Sheikh Mohamed and President Faye also covered preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference. Abu Dhabi will serve as the host for this event, which will occur from December 8 to 10, with Senegal sharing co-hosting duties. The conference aims to speed up progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6, which emphasizes universal access to clean water and sanitation. The leaders discussed water-related priorities and their vital role in economic and social progress both domestically and globally.
The upcoming conference is a key element of ongoing collaboration between the UAE and Senegal. In May, the United Nations General Assembly approved new dates, moving the event to December 8 through 10. The program will feature plenary sessions and six interactive dialogues focused on critical water and sanitation issues. Governments, international organizations, and other accredited stakeholders have been actively involved in the preparatory process, with Abu Dhabi set to host the main proceedings.
Water Conference Central to Bilateral Engagement
The September discussion followed previous high-level exchanges concerning trade, investment, and development between the two nations. On September 4, President Faye met with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dakar. They deliberated on trade relations, investment opportunities, and strategies to deepen economic ties. The meeting also explored avenues to expand economic collaboration, complementing a series of official contacts throughout 2026 focused on commerce and development initiatives.
During his latest visit to the UAE, President Faye also held talks with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mansour, who is UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, discussed cooperation in investment and development, along with prospects for expanding bilateral partnerships. They also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, reinforcing the broader agenda addressed during President Faye’s meeting with Sheikh Mohamed.
Focus on Economic Collaboration Continues
This year, economic cooperation and development have become increasingly prominent in high-level discussions between the UAE and Senegal. Official visits and meetings have taken place in Abu Dhabi and Dakar, with both governments actively collaborating on preparations for the United Nations Water Conference. Senegal hosted a high-level preparatory session earlier in 2026, bringing together government officials and stakeholders to identify priorities ahead of the December event in the UAE.
The conference in December aims to advance the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6, targeting water and sanitation. Current United Nations statistics reveal that billions of people worldwide still lack access to safely managed drinking water or sanitation services. The event will focus on issues such as financing, international cooperation, environmental challenges, and water access. For both the UAE and Senegal, this gathering signifies a major joint international effort, reinforcing their broader relationship that includes economic, investment, and development cooperation.
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