The UAE and Sudan discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral ties. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, met his Sudanese equivalent to develop an even stronger partnership. Sheikh Abdullah and Mariam Al Mahdi discussed co-operation, particularly in investment and agriculture. Sheikh Abdullah spoke about the strength of existing relations and wished “stability, progress and prosperity for Sudan and its people", state news agency Wam reported on Tuesday. The pair signed an agreement between the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and the National Centre for Diplomatic Studies in Sudan. Relations between the countries stretch back decades and the UAE has been a firm supporter of the Sudanese people. Underlining this commitment was the UAE’s US$1.5 billion aid package to Sudan announced in 2019. The package was aimed at maintaining Sudan’s economic and financial stability, as well as supporting the health, education and agriculture sectors. But the UAE's aid to Sudan goes back almost to the very foundation of the UAE. From the mid-1970s, the UAE assisted key Sudanese projects in industry, energy, transport, water and irrigation.