UAE and Uruguay Reinforce Bilateral Ties Amid CEPA Negotiations

Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, UAE's Minister of State for International Cooperation, visited Uruguay to strengthen bilateral relations and advance the UAE/MERCOSUR CEPA negotiations. The visit focused on enhancing mutual growth, trade, and investment opportunities, particularly in renewable energy and food security.

Dubai [UAE], July 23 (ANI/WAM): Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, visited Uruguay to further bilateral relations and discuss ongoing negotiations for the UAE/MERCOSUR Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The UAE delegation included Saeed Abdullah Al Qamzi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Argentine and Non-Resident Ambassador to Uruguay and Paraguay, along with officials from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a group from the business community.

Al Hashimy praised Uruguay for MERCOSUR's progress in CEPA negotiations with the UAE, noting the successful completion of the first round of talks in early July. She emphasized that signing the CEPA will positively impact trade and investment flows between the UAE and MERCOSUR member states. The UAE has been actively signing CEPAs and building economic links with strategic partners as part of its broader strategy to diversify economic ties and develop international partnerships in trade, industry, and investment.

During her visit, Al Hashimy met with Omar Paganini, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, to discuss strengthening collaboration in several sectors, including trade, food security, and renewable energy. She lauded Uruguay's achievements in sustainable development, especially in renewable energy and food security, and highlighted the UAE's commitment to addressing climate change, evidenced by the signing of a MoU on Food Security during last year's COP28 climate conference.

At a roundtable at the Uruguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Al Hashimy met with Dr. Nicolas Albertoni, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay; Fernando Sandin, Director of Political Affairs; Ambassador Gabriela Civila, Director of International Cooperation; Ambassador Ana Ines Rocanova, Director of Economic Affairs, and other officials to discuss the successful first round of Political Consultations held during his visit to the UAE on 27 February 2024. The meetings focused on mutual growth, development, and investment opportunities to foster a stronger economic partnership between the two nations. Concluding her visit, Reem Al Hashimy praised the strong bilateral relations between the UAE and Uruguay and expressed her hope for further productive cooperation in all areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)