The Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited the pacific region in February 2010 and to build upon the effort, the government of the gulf nation has launched 'Partnership in the Pacific Program'.

The programme officially invites organizations from the region to participate in the efforts which seek to facilitate cooperation between the UAE and Pacific Island nations in the areas of social, environmental and other developmental concerns.

"This programme is consistent with the UAE's long-standing record of international cooperation and its diverse foreign aid efforts which have been a key pillar of the President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan's international affairs strategy," said Mr. Shaikh Abdullah.

The programme aims to strengthen the ties between the UAE and island states. The minister visited Tuvalu, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Palau and the Kingdom of Tonga and held meeting with various senior government officials.

He focused on areas of cooperation such as development issues and renewable energy. The government also announced the launch of a Dh183 million fund to focus on projects in the fields of education, social and health care services, infrastructure and renewable energy issues.

UAE looks to support these countries as they are facing challenges due to climate change. These counties have become most venerable to climate change even though they contribute very little to the phenomenon.

The partnership will work with each individual country and help it in its efforts on the various sectors. UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs will oversee the programme which will be managed by Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development has been involved in nearly 200 in more than 50 countries since 1971.

The government signed an MOU with the Tonga authorities, which sets a target of achieving 50 per cent renewable energy.