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UAE helping Eritrea in big way: Afwerki

DUBAI — Isaias Afwerki, President of the State of Eritrea, who is currently on a short visit to the UAE, expressed his appreciation towards the UAE for actively contributing towards developing several terminals and infrastructure projects in his country.

In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Time, Mr Afwerki hailed the efforts made by Arab countries, particularly the UAE, represented by the President, His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in supporting the Eritrean issues prior to independence of Eritrea and assisting the government in its track to achieve economic expansion and achieving peaceful settlement in the country.

Disclosing the purpose of his visit to the UAE, Mr Afwerki said he had been to Kuwait and came to the UAE, since both countries share 40 years of friendly relations with Eritrea and have played a great role in supporting the Eritrean issue during the 31 years of fierce fighting.

“Besides, Dubai has become a commercial hub not only in the region but internationally as well, and I decided to visit Dubai to learn from its experiences in economic development through international exhibitions and conferences,” he said.

Mr Afwerki pointed out that during this visit he held talks with different heads of organisations and investors in Dubai including the Chairman and Head of the Customs and Free Zone Port Authority as well as Dr Hanif Al Qassimi, Vice-President of Zayed University. He also visited the Gitex Exhibition where he received briefings on the display involving mass media, electronics and the internet.

Speaking about Eriteria's infrastructure, Afwerki said it is under the process of construction and development to satisfy and benefit from the growing market demands. “The government is making efforts to ensure healthy atmosphere by promoting the foundations of major projects which contribute to the development of the country's infrastructure,” he said.

Commenting on the Arab countries contributions towards the reconstruction of Eritrea after the war, he said, “The current major projects which were established immediately after Eritrea declared its independence in 1993 were funded by the UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia who contributed a great deal in the country's reconstruction and foundation of its infrastructure. These projects include electricity, power and the foundation of dams for water supply, which did not exist prior to 1991. By 2005, electricity and water supply will soon be extended to cover all parts of Eritrea.”

Talking about the investment in the country, Mr Afwerki said that for the last 10 years, the government has been trying to create a conducive atmosphere to attract investors to the country.

"Focus is laid on development of basic infrastructure projects such as development of transportations services, extending the lines of electricity and water supply to all parts of the country as well as enhancing social services programmes. The development of such infrastructure projects will contribute to attracting investors from the UAE and other countries whose investments in Eritrea will undoubtedly put it on the international map of trade and transport," he said.

"We are looking forward to establishing trade and investment relations between Eritrea and the UAE after achieving these objectives," he added.

Mr Afwerki urged the Arab countries to contribute towards supporting these infrastructure projects and help in its rapid development.

Highlighting the efforts of the government to encourage Eritrean living overseas to return home, he said that the Eritreans are proud and independent people with a strong commitment to working together for the good of the country. The government is paving the road for the Eritrean expatriates, residing overseas to return by offering them with good job opportunities and training so that they can come home and enrich the country, he added.

Commenting on relations with neighbouring countries, he said currently there is no ongoing efforts in enhancing the relation between Eriteria and Ethiopia. With regards to its relations with Sudan, he said the people of Sudan deserve comprehensive peace settlement.