Sheikh Abdullah ends Latin American tour with Costa Rica visit

Costa Rican president Luis Guillermo Solis (R) listens to Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, during a meeting at the presidential palace in San Jose on February 12, 2016. EzeqShow more

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has concluded a Latin American tour with his first official visit to Costa Rica, which he called a “milestone” in the countries’ relations.

The UAE appreciates Costa Rica’s stance on issues such as climate change and environmental protection, Sheikh Abdullah said in remarks published by La Nacion newspaper, according to state news agency Wam.

“The UAE would like to bring its relationship with Costa Rica to exciting new levels,” Sheikh Abdullah said.

During the visit he met Costa Rican president Luis Guillermo Solis and foreign minister Manuel Gonzalez Sanz to discuss environmental, trade and other issues.

“Costa Rica’s economy is a dynamic one, and I believe that there is significant scope for the UAE’s private sector to invest in a range of fields, including but not limited to tourism, [agriculture] and energy,” said Sheikh Abdullah.

Sheikh Abdullah on Thursday visited Panama, where a joint trade and investment cooperation committee was created with the UAE. The committee will serve as a legal base for launching joint investment projects, including the participation of Emirati companies in the public tenders of this government’s five-year investment plan, particularly in shipping and energy.

The UAE is also interested in banking, logistics, energy, airports and infrastructure with Panama, said Sheikh Abdullah. The two sides also confirmed the UAE’s decision to open an embassy in Panama next year, while the Latin American country will upgrade its consulate in the UAE to an embassy.

Sheikh Abdullah also visited Argentina and Colombia earlier in the week.