UAE deepens Latin America ties as Reem Al Hashimy launches high-level MERCOSUR tour, boosting trade, investment, cultural exchange and strategic cooperation across Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay….reports Asian Lite News
Reem Al Hashimy’s Latin America outreach has begun on a strong diplomatic and economic note, with the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation launching a high-level tour of key MERCOSUR member states aimed at deepening partnerships and unlocking new avenues of growth.
The tour, covering Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay, underlines the UAE’s growing focus on Latin America as a strategic partner in trade, investment, innovation and sustainable development. Across a packed schedule of presidential meetings, ministerial discussions and business engagements, Al Hashimy reaffirmed Abu Dhabi’s commitment to building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships grounded in shared prosperity.
In Uruguay and Paraguay, Al Hashimy met President Yamandú Orsi of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay and President Santiago Peña of the Republic of Paraguay, conveying warm greetings from President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. She also extended wishes for continued progress and prosperity to the peoples of Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.
High-level discussions with senior ministers across the three countries focused on strengthening cooperation in priority sectors such as energy, infrastructure, technology, mining and agribusiness. Meetings were held with Uruguay’s Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin; Argentina’s Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno and Economy Minister Luis Caputo; and Paraguay’s Minister of Industry and Commerce Javier Giménez. These talks highlighted the UAE’s interest in expanding trade and investment ties while supporting sustainable economic growth on both sides.
A key theme of the tour was regional and global trade integration. Al Hashimy congratulated her counterparts on the conclusion of the landmark MERCOSUR–European Union trade agreement and reiterated the UAE’s priority to advance negotiations on a UAE–MERCOSUR Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Such an agreement, officials noted, could significantly enhance market access, diversify supply chains and create new opportunities for businesses across both regions.
Political and parliamentary engagement also featured prominently. Al Hashimy met Uruguay’s Vice President Carolina Cosse, Agriculture Minister Alfredo Fratti and Martín Menem, President of Argentina’s Chamber of Deputies, to discuss the role of policy coordination in facilitating investment, innovation and sustainable development. These conversations underscored the importance of aligning public policy with private-sector dynamism.
In Argentina, Al Hashimy was hosted by Jorge Macri, Chief of Government of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, at the historic Teatro Colón, where she was named a Guest of Honour of the city. The recognition reflected the growing warmth of UAE–Argentina relations and the shared ambition to strengthen cooperation across culture, commerce and urban development.
The economic dimension of the visit was reinforced through high-level business gatherings with leading executives and stakeholders in Argentina and Paraguay. These sessions explored practical ways to increase private-sector engagement, encourage joint ventures and facilitate investment flows between the UAE and Latin American markets.
Beyond politics and economics, the tour also highlighted the UAE’s emphasis on cultural diplomacy. Al Hashimy’s visit to Uruguay’s Museo del Gaucho y la Moneda symbolised respect for Latin America’s rich heritage and the belief that people-to-people exchanges are central to enduring partnerships.
The minister was accompanied by Saeed Abdullah Al Qamzi, UAE Ambassador to Argentina and non-resident Ambassador to Uruguay, Alsaghira Al Ahbabi, UAE Ambassador to Paraguay, and a delegation of senior officials, reflecting the depth of institutional commitment behind the initiative.
