Mexico and the UAE are building stronger relations based on shared principles and common interests. Both countries are emerging economies and have a significant presence on the international stage. We share a commitment to multilateralism and international co-operation to attain a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.
To build a more prosperous partnership, we are engaging in high-level exchanges. It is in this spirit that the government of Mexico is honored to welcome Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, in the first months of the President Andrés Manuel López Obrador administration.
This visit represents an opportunity to advance a broad agenda. We seek to promote trade and to encourage investment, in particular in the projects put forth by our new administration to generate growth that is more inclusive in terms of geography and social sectors. We also wish to bring our societies closer together through increased collaboration on culture, academic exchanges and tourism.
Mexico knows that the UAE is a significant political and economic partner and as a result, we will work to increase our presence in this country. We see great opportunities in forums and events such as the World Governance Summit, the Gulf Food Fair, the Arabian Travel Market and the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference. Our trade has more than tripled in the last decade, marking a clear positive trend. It currently stands at $800 million per year, which shows that there is ample room for growth.
The government of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has reasserted its interest in forging an even closer bilateral partnership with the UAE. Last February, our Undersecretary of Foreign Relations for Multilateral and Human Rights Affairs, Martha Delgado, visited Abu Dhabi to participate in the Global Dialogue for Happiness and Wellbeing, held on the margins of the Governance Summit. Moreover, on the auspicious occasion of the Year of Tolerance 2019, a delegation of Mexican athletes will participate in the Special Olympics World Summer Games, which begin this week.
The governmental efforts have been complemented by the increasing interest of Mexico's private sector in the UAE’s market. Companies such as KidZania, Cemex, Mabe, Tenaris, Tamsa and Bestground are well-known to the Emirati people. Mexico will continue working to ensure that more Mexican companies seize the tremendous opportunities that the UAE’s economy has to offer.
Mexico and the UAE are convinced of the value of an open dialogue, a promising economic relationship and rich cultural exchanges. These bring concrete benefits to our societies. Undoubtedly, the visit of Sheikh Abdullah is an important step in the right direction.
Francisca Elizabeth Mendez Escobar is the Mexican Ambassador to the UAE
