The Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, today attended the launch of the Global Business Forum on Africa 2017, in Dubai, in the presence of over 1,000 top-level government and corporate decision-makers, including African heads of state, ministers and dignitaries, and the UAE government and business elite.

Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, in her opening speech welcomed the Presidents of Uganda, Rwanda, the Seychelles and other heads of government in a number of African countries, along with their representative ministers, specialists, experts and businessmen.

Al Hashimy said that the UAE and Africa share historic trade ties, highlighting that the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Founding Father, travelled to Africa decades ago to strengthen political bonds that would serve future generations.

"From those first contacts, a young country's vision, driven with determination by its leadership under His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has coalesced into collaborative working relationships that span the continent of Africa and map a shared future," she continued.

The UAE is strategically located between Africa and Asia where the fastest growing economies of the world today can be found, she said.

Al Hashimy encouraged delegates to continue to work toward new partnerships and friendships so that the UAE and Africa can celebrate their joint achievements and build a legacy which future generations can be proud of.