UAE's Reem Al Hashimy Bolsters Bilateral Ties With Uruguay In Official Visit

Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, recently visited Uruguay to enhance bilateral relations and discuss the ongoing UAE/MERCOSUR Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations. The UAE delegation included Saeed Abdullah Al Qamzi, UAE Ambassador to Argentina and Non-Resident Ambassador to Uruguay and Paraguay, along with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and business community representatives.

Al Hashimy praised Uruguay for MERCOSUR's progress in CEPA negotiations with the UAE. She noted that the first round of negotiations was successfully completed in early July this year. She emphasised that signing the CEPA will positively impact trade and investment flows between the UAE and MERCOSUR member states.

The UAE has signed CEPAs with strategic partners as part of its long-term strategy to diversify economic ties. This approach aims to develop strong international partnerships in trading, industry, and investment sectors.

During her visit, Al Hashimy met with Omar Paganini, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay. They discussed enhancing collaboration in various areas such as trade, food security, and renewable energy. She commended Uruguay's achievements in sustainable development, particularly in renewable energy and food security.

She highlighted the UAE's commitment to a comprehensive approach to combat climate change. This commitment was evident during last year’s COP28 climate conference with the signing of an MoU on Food Security.

Political Consultations

At a roundtable at the Uruguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Al Hashimy met with Dr. Nicolás Albertoni, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay; Fernando Sandín, Director of Political Affairs; Ambassador Gabriela Civila, Director of International Cooperation; Ambassador Ana Inés Rocanova, Director of Economic Affairs; and a wider team. They discussed the successful first round of Political Consultations held during his visit to the UAE on 27 February 2024.

The meetings focused on areas for mutual growth, development, and investments. The aim was to foster a stronger economic partnership between the two nations.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

Al Hashimy commended Uruguay's achievements in sustainable development during her discussions with Uruguayan officials. She highlighted that these efforts align with the UAE's goals for prosperity and development for all.

The discussions also covered renewable energy initiatives and food security measures. These topics are crucial for both nations' sustainable development agendas.

At the conclusion of her visit, Reem Al Hashimy praised the strong bilateral relations between the UAE and Uruguay. She expressed her aspiration to further strengthen these ties aiming for new levels of productive cooperation in all areas.

With inputs from WAM