In a meeting aimed at enhancing diplomatic and economic ties, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed President Santiago Peña of Paraguay to Abu Dhabi on Sunday, May 26. The visit marked a significant step in strengthening relations between the two countries, with both leaders expressing interest in expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
The official meeting was held at Qasr Al Watan, the UAE’s presidential palace in Abu Dhabi, where Sheikh Mohamed greeted President Peña with full ceremonial honors. Discussions between the two leaders focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, renewable energy, and education, as well as addressing shared concerns about global development and climate change.
“Paraguay sees the UAE as a gateway to broader engagement with the Arab world and a valuable partner in development,” President Peña said during the meeting. He emphasized Paraguay’s interest in attracting Emirati investments, especially in agro-industry, infrastructure, and clean energy projects.
The UAE, for its part, highlighted Paraguay’s strategic importance in South America, particularly as a nation rich in natural resources and committed to regional integration. Sheikh Mohamed noted that the visit presented a unique opportunity to advance cooperation and promote economic diplomacy between the two countries.
Officials from both delegations participated in the talks, which concluded with the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to facilitate collaboration in trade facilitation, technical education, and environmental sustainability. While the exact details of the agreements were not disclosed, government sources indicated that they include mechanisms to encourage mutual investment and establish platforms for public-private partnerships.
The leaders also discussed climate change cooperation in light of the UAE’s hosting of COP28 last year and Paraguay’s ongoing efforts to preserve its biodiversity. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement and shared goals for sustainable development.
President Peña’s visit to the UAE comes as part of a broader push by Paraguay to diversify its international partnerships and attract foreign investment. In recent months, Asunción has engaged in similar diplomatic efforts with nations in Europe and Asia. The UAE, in turn, has been expanding its ties in Latin America, viewing the region as a key growth area for future trade and investment.
During the visit, President Peña also toured key UAE institutions, including Masdar City, a hub for clean energy and innovation, and the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, where he was briefed on the UAE’s achievements in space science and exploration. These visits highlighted potential areas of scientific cooperation between the two nations.
The warm reception and productive discussions reflected the growing diplomatic outreach of the UAE under Sheikh Mohamed’s leadership, as the country continues to position itself as a global connector between the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Commenting on the meeting, regional analyst Dr. Huda Al Kaabi stated, “This visit shows the UAE’s strategic approach to building south-south relations, where developing nations work together on trade, technology, and climate goals outside of traditional Western power structures.”
No official statement has been made regarding future state visits, but both leaders signaled openness to continuing high-level dialogue. President Peña extended an invitation for Sheikh Mohamed to visit Paraguay, underscoring his desire to deepen relations and strengthen bilateral ties beyond the economic sphere.
As the UAE continues to broaden its diplomatic horizons and forge new alliances, this meeting with Paraguay is being hailed as a diplomatic success and a stepping stone for long-term cooperation across the Global South.
Source: The National News
