Date: 21 Oct, 2025
On the sidelines of the 2025 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group, H.E. Dr. Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Board of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID), participated in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Arab Coordination Group (ACG), marking fifty years since its establishment. The event was held in Washington, D.C., with the participation of leaders and representatives from Arab, regional, and international development institutions.
The participation reflects AAAID’s commitment to strengthening its presence in global economic and financial forums and expanding cooperation with partner institutions in development, investment, and food security.
During the celebrations, H.E. Dr. Al Zaabi held a series of high level meetings with senior officials and international stakeholders, focusing on enhancing development cooperation and exploring new partnership opportunities in food security and sustainable agriculture.
He met with HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal Al Saud, Chairman of the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND), where the two leaders discussed ways to enhance joint cooperation and continue efforts supporting sustainable development in food security sectors across the Arab world.
H.E. Dr. Al Zaabi also met with H.E. Mohammad Yasar Bernia, Minister of Finance of the Syrian Arab Republic, to discuss cooperation opportunities and the role of the private sector in implementing development and investment projects in food security-related sectors.
In addition, he met with H.E. Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, to review opportunities to expand collaboration supporting sustainable agricultural development in the Arab region.
He also met with H.E. Dr. Sidi Ould TAH, President of the African Development Bank, to discuss potential investment partnerships in food security sectors aimed at achieving sustainable development goals and enhancing Arab-African integration in addressing food security and climate change challenges.
In the framework of international cooperation in food security, H.E. Dr. Al Zaabi held discussions with Dr. Conrad Rein, Secretary General of the Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security, exchanging views on the importance of multilateral partnerships as a cornerstone for sustainable development and building bridges between international institutions.
Furthermore, H.E. Dr. Al Zaabi met with Prof. Ibrahim Adam Al-Dukhairi, Director General of the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD), to discuss ways to strengthen existing cooperation and expand joint initiatives in support of Arab food security objectives.
In closing, H.E. Dr. Al Zaabi highlighted that such gatherings play a pivotal role in shaping strategic policies and promoting international cooperation to build a more sustainable and resilient future, adding: “I extend my deep appreciation to the organizers, speakers, and participants of this significant event, whose efforts drive the global development dialogue toward greater collaboration and inclusivity”.
