UAE's ties with Chile strengthened
Bachelet receives Shaikh Abdullah to discuss bilateral relations and opportunities
Santiago: Chilean President Dr Michelle Bachelet yesterday received Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, who is currently visiting the country.
The meeting was attended by Reem Ebrahim Al Hashemi, UAE Minister of State, Khalid Ganem Al Gaith, Aide for Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Yousuf Ali Abdul Rahman, UAE Ambassador to Brazil and Non Resident Ambassador to Cuba and Chile.
The Chilean President welcomed Shaikh Abdullah and the delegation accompanying him, hoping that the visit would further boost the relations between the UAE and Chile.
Shaikh Abdullah conveyed the regards of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the Chilean President. Bachelet in turn conveyed her regards to Shaikh Khalifa, stressing that her country was keen to upgrade ties with the UAE.
Bilateral relations
Shaikh Abdullah said his visit to Chile would enhance bilateral relations, particularly the business sector. He cited the appropriate investment atmosphere in the UAE.
The UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs underlined the need to sign the Avoiding of Double Taxation and Encourage and Protection of Investment Agreements. Shaikh Abdullah thanked Chile for backing the UAE to host the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) in Abu Dhabi.
The Chilean President stressed that her government sought to strengthen its ties with the UAE, adding that her country was planning to woo direct foreign investments in the areas of gas, water, electricity and mining.
The meeting also tackled future cooperation between the countries, particularly, in the areas of agriculture, energy, renewable energy, tourism, mining and infrastructure.
Sheikh Abdullah also discussed with José Antonio Viera-Gallo, Minister of the Presidency, cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the field of economics, trade and investment.
Viera-Gallo emphasised that his country was seeking to expand scope of its trade and investment partnerships in promising markets worldwide, particularly the UAE.
He also indicated that the Chilean trade committee will hold a symposium in Dubai on Monday and Tuesday to discuss investment opportunities in line with the Chilean Week sessions next week.
The event will highlight the Chilean economy and culture. It will also include the opening of the Chilean Embassy in the UAE, which will be the first Chilean diplomatic mission in the GCC.
