Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, engaged in a series of bilateral meetings with various foreign ministers on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Meetings with Global Leaders
During his visit, Sheikh Abdullah met with Mihai Popșoi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova; Felix Plasencia, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; Adonia Ayebare, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda; Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; and Roberto Velasco Alvarez, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Mexican States.
Exploring Areas of Cooperation
The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation and partnerships in various sectors, including economic, trade, investment, food security, culture, education, health, artificial intelligence, advanced technology, renewable energy, and climate issues. In addition, they addressed several topics on the agenda of the United Nations General Assembly.
Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to expanding cooperation with international partners and fostering constructive dialogue and the exchange of perspectives, which contribute to comprehensive and sustainable development paths.
Regional and Global Developments
The meetings allowed Sheikh Abdullah and the foreign ministers to exchange views regarding regional and international developments, as well as issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the ongoing preparations for the United Nations Water Conference 2026, which the UAE will host in partnership with Senegal from December 8 to 10 this year.
Strengthening Ties with Cambodia and Other Nations
Furthermore, Sheikh Abdullah met with Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, where they explored ways to reinforce mutual collaboration across various sectors. This meeting culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding concerning political consultations between the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia. The UAE side was represented by Saeed Al Hajeri, Minister of State, and Prak Sokhonn signed on behalf of Cambodia.
Academic and Investment Agreements
In a further engagement, Sheikh Abdullah and Javier Martínez Acha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama, witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding focused on academic cooperation between their respective foreign ministries. The UAE was represented by Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Javier Martínez Acha represented Panama.
Additionally, Sheikh Abdullah met with Alexandra Hill Tinoco, Minister of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador, where discussions centred on enhancing bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations and their peoples. This meeting led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and the José Gustavo Guerrero Diplomatic Institute of El Salvador, along with agreements to avoid double taxation and prevent financial evasion related to income taxes, as well as to encourage and protect investments between the UAE and El Salvador. The agreements were signed by Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy and Alexandra Hill Tinoco.
Conclusion
These fruitful discussions and agreements underscore Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s commitment to fostering strong international partnerships that contribute to global development goals. The meetings highlighted the UAE’s proactive role in engaging with multiple countries to address pressing global challenges.
Among those present at these engagements were Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade; Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention; Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State; Saeed Al Hajeri, Minister of State; and Mohamed Abushahab, UAE Permanent Representative to the United Nations.