Abu dhabi: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan warmly received President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador during an official visit aimed at enhancing bilateral relations between the UAE and Ecuador.
According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting, held in Abu Dhabi, was attended by key members of Ecuador's delegation, including Gabriela Sommerfeld Rosero, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility; Sariha Moya, Minister of Economy and Finance; and Roberto Carlos Kury Pestantes, Minister of Telecommunications and Information Society and Ecuador's Special Envoy to the UAE.
The discussions focused on outlining strategic priorities to advance cooperation in various sectors, marking a significant step in strengthening the partnership that has spanned over 50 years. The leaders emphasized their shared commitment to promoting prosperity, stability, and development. President Noboa also held meetings with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, and H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
The meetings explored opportunities in trade, investment, technology, logistics, and renewable energy, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strategic partnerships and expanding collaboration to support sustainable economic growth. The announcement of Ecuador's embassy opening in the UAE, inaugurated by President Noboa, was highlighted as a significant milestone in diplomatic engagement, trade facilitation, and people-to-people ties.
The leaders discussed the upcoming official inauguration of the Ecuador Trade Office in Dubai, set for 2026, which will contribute to long-term economic growth between the two nations. Both sides expressed their commitment to finalizing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by early 2026.
Ecuador's efforts to improve its investment climate and diversify its economy were acknowledged, while the UAE's growing presence in key sectors was highlighted. The leaders emphasized cooperation in energy, climate sustainability, and economic diversification, with a focus on sustainable development and climate resilience.
The importance of promoting low-carbon economic growth and supporting climate-resilient technologies was discussed, along with opportunities for knowledge exchange and investment frameworks to enhance energy diversification and meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
The transformative impact of technology and AI on growth was a key topic, with both sides agreeing to enhance cooperation in AI, digital innovation, and cybersecurity. A program to empower 10,000 Ecuadorian youth in AI skills, in partnership with Dubai Future Foundation, was launched, reflecting the nations' commitment to digital capability and global AI economy participation.
Educational cooperation was highlighted through UAE-supported scholarships for Ecuadorian students at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and New York University Abu Dhabi. Scientific cooperation, including a potential research expedition to the Gal¡pagos Islands, was also discussed, with a focus on biodiversity conservation and marine resilience.
The leaders emphasized environmental resilience and coordinated action on climate change and biodiversity loss, highlighting the UAE and Ecuador's complementary strengths in conservation and sustainable development. Water security was underscored as a global priority, with collaboration planned for the 2026 UN Water Conference in the UAE.
Opportunities for collaboration in housing and sustainable urban development were discussed, aligning with Ecuador's national development vision. Both countries reiterated their commitment to regional stability, dialogue, and peaceful solutions to global challenges.
The establishment of the UAE-Ecuador Parliamentary Friendship Group was welcomed, representing a platform for enhancing legislative dialogue and bilateral ties. President Noboa's visit marked a milestone in relations, with key agreements signed, including the Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding on the Technological Corridor.
Plans for the Second UAE-Ecuador Economic and Investment Forum in 2026 were also discussed, aimed at advancing cooperation and highlighting private-sector opportunities. President Noboa expressed appreciation for the UAE's support, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to a long-term partnership that benefits both nations.
