Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates' Minister of State, met with Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, the Transitional President of Chad, in N'Djamena on July 24, 2023. The high-level discussion focused on fostering stronger bilateral relations between the two nations and exploring avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation across various sectors.
The meeting comes amidst a period of heightened engagement between the UAE and Chad. In June 2023, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the signing of several agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between the two countries, encompassing areas like investment, trade, and development. These agreements signaled a commitment to deepening the strategic partnership.
The discussions between Sheikh Shakhboot and President Déby reportedly covered a broad range of topics. The leaders acknowledged the existing positive relations between the UAE and Chad and expressed a desire to build upon this foundation. Specific areas of interest included exploring potential collaborations in the fields of infrastructure development, energy, and security.
The UAE has emerged as a significant development partner for African nations in recent years. The country's focus on infrastructure projects, renewable energy solutions, and technological advancements aligns with the developmental goals of many African states, including Chad. The Sahelian nation faces challenges like limited access to clean water and electricity, and collaboration with the UAE could offer strategic solutions in these areas.
Security cooperation was also believed to be on the agenda, considering the ongoing security threats in the Sahel region. Chad is part of the G5 Sahel force, a multinational military counter-terrorism initiative. The UAE has provided military aid to several African nations battling extremism, and its expertise could prove valuable in bolstering regional security efforts.
The meeting between Sheikh Shakhboot and President Déby is a significant step towards solidifying the relationship between the UAE and Chad. The UAE's growing engagement in Africa is likely to continue, with Chad being a potential key partner in the region. The focus on economic development, infrastructure projects, and security cooperation holds promise for fostering a mutually beneficial partnership between the two nations.