Abu dhabi: The Parliamentary Friendship Committee of the Federal National Council (FNC) with Parliaments of Latin America and North America convened virtually with its counterpart from the National Assembly of Ecuador to discuss ways to bolster bilateral and parliamentary cooperation.
According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Tariq Humaid Al Tayer, First Deputy Speaker of the FNC and Chairman of the committee, and Sade Fritschi, President of the Ecuadorian committee. Al Tayer emphasized the steady progression in UAE-Ecuador relations across key sectors and expressed optimism about the initiation of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). He stated that such an agreement would enhance trade, investment, and market access, while also unlocking new opportunities in areas like food security, renewable energy, tourism, technology, and logistics.
Al Tayer affirmed the FNC's dedication to strengthening cooperation with Ecuador's parliament, as well as parliaments across Latin America and the Caribbean. This commitment is to be achieved through the exchange of parliamentary expertise and coordinated stances in international forums, particularly within the Inter-Parliamentary Union. He highlighted the significance of formalizing a memorandum of understanding to improve communication and collaboration on issues of shared interest.
Fritschi emphasized Ecuador's eagerness to expand its relationship with the UAE, particularly in fields such as technology, artificial intelligence, trade, investment, infrastructure, transport, agriculture, food security, tourism, and environmental concerns. She highlighted the importance of the Parliamentary Friendship Committee in fostering effective partnerships and enhancing cooperation on global parliamentary platforms, especially within the IPU.
The meeting saw participation from FNC members and officials from both nations, reflecting the mutual interest in fortifying parliamentary ties.