Ministers of UAE, Ecuador highlight ties

Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, met with María Gabriela Sommerfeld Rosero, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador, during her official visit to the UAE.

During the meeting, both sides highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation in key sectors, including renewable energy, infrastructure, food and water security, mining, tourism, and investment.

Al Hashimy highlighted the growing economic relationship between the UAE and Ecuador, noting that despite geographical distance, strong trade ties have been forged, particularly with Dubai Ports World (DP World) investments in Ecuador.

The partnership reflects a mutual commitment to economic diversification and shared prosperity. Furthermore, two important agreements were signed during the visit: a Memorandum of Understanding on visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders, and an Air Services Agreement, both aimed at enhancing tourism, people-to-people connections, and cooperation in education, culture, and trade.

Both ministers also welcomed the initiation of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations between the UAE and Ecuador.

Rosero also recently visited several prominent locations in the UAE, including Wahat Al Karama, where she honoured the sacrifices and heroic deeds of UAE martyrs. She also toured Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and Masdar City.

During her visit, she engaged with key institutions such as the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), and DP World (JAFZA), strengthening ties and exploring potential collaborations.

Moreover, Rosero expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, in receiving the Ecuadorian delegation.

Rosero was accompanied by her delegation during her visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

They toured the mosque’s halls and outer corridors, learning about the mosque’s cultural message of coexistence, tolerance, and openness to others, inspired by the values of the founding father.

They also learned about the significant role played by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in promoting the true essence of Islamic culture, building bridges of understanding with various cultures around the world, and what distinguishes it from other places of worship.

WAM