‘Important agreements signed’ during Mexican Foreign Minister’s visit to the UAE

UAE Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, praises burgeoning relationship with Mexico following a meeting with the country's foreign minister.

Mohammed Al Otaiba, the editor-in-chief of The National, welcomes Mexico’s foreign secretary, Jose Antonio Meade, to the newspaper’s newsroom yesterday. Delores Johnson / The National

ABU DHABI// The Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah has praised bilateral ties between the UAE and Mexico following a meeting with his Mexican counterpart, Jose Antonio Meade.

Sheikh Abdullah expressed his pleasure at the growing relationship since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

“There is no doubt that in recent years our relations have developed,” Sheikh Abdullah said, after taking part in a meeting with Mr Meade and his accompanying delegation.

Sunday’s visit was the first official meeting between the countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975, the state news agency Wam reported.

“Many important agreements have been signed, including those on the avoidance of double taxation, on air transport and on the mutual exemption of visas for holders of diplomatic and special passports.

“We are happy that there are several thousand Mexican citizens living here in their second homeland,” Sheikh Abdullah said.

Relations between the countries are set to develop over the coming weeks and years, with the UAE preparing to welcome Enrique Pena Nieto, the Mexican president, early next year.

Similarly, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has plans to visit Mexico, said Sheikh Abdullah.

“We are in the final stages of reaching an agreement on the reciprocal protection of investment, which will provide good support for and will enhance the commercial exchange between our two countries.

“I am so pleased that we have had a chance during our talks to discuss the issues that concern both of our countries, in both of our regions.

“We also took the opportunity to discuss opportunities to strengthen our bilateral co-operation, particularly in the fields of science, food and energy.”

The Mexican foreign secretary expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Abdullah for his hospitality.