Reem Al Hashimy Begins Latin America Tour with Visits to MERCOSUR Countries

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, began her Latin America tour with visits to MERCOSUR member states Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across priority sectors that support sustainable growth and shared prosperity.

During the tour, Her Excellency met with His Excellency Yamandú Orsi, President of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, and His Excellency Santiago Peña, President of the Republic of Paraguay. Her Excellency conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, along with their wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the peoples of Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.

As part of her engagements, Her Excellency Al Hashimy held meetings with senior government officials from Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. These included discussions with His Excellency Mario Lubetkin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, His Excellency Pablo Quirno, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Argentine Republic, His Excellency Luis Caputo, Minister of Economy of the Argentine Republic, and His Excellency Javier Giménez, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Paraguay. Her Excellency congratulated them on the conclusion of the MERCOSUR-European Union trade agreement and reiterated the UAE’s priority to conclude the UAE-MERCOSUR Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Furthermore, Her Excellency held talks with Her Excellency Carolina Cosse, Vice President of Uruguay, His Excellency Alfredo Fratti, Minister of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries of Uruguay, and His Excellency Martín Menem, President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Argentine Republic. Discussions focused on the importance of cooperation in technology, infrastructure, energy, mining, and agribusiness.

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy met with His Excellency Jorge Macri, Chief of Government of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, at the iconic Teatro Colón, where she was declared a Guest of Honor of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.

The visits also included high-level business gatherings with influential Argentine and Paraguayan executives and stakeholders across various sectors. Discussions explored avenues to facilitate greater private-sector engagement in both countries’ economies.

Reflecting the UAE’s respect for Latin America’s rich history and heritage, Her Excellency visited the Museo del Gaucho y la Moneda in Uruguay, underscoring the importance of cultural exchange and people-to-people ties in strengthening bilateral relations.

Her Excellency was accompanied by His Excellency Saeed Abdullah Al Qamzi, UAE Ambassador to the Argentine Republic and Non-Resident Ambassador to the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, and Her Excellency Alsaghira Al Ahbabi, UAE Ambassador to Paraguay, along with a delegation of government officials.