The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy in Argentina celebrated the 53rd anniversary of the formation of its state, a country milestone known as the UAE National Day. The event, which took place in the private residence of Ambassador Saeed Alqemzi, also commemorated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Emirates and Argentina. 

Among those present at the event were Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein, former President Mauricio Macri, Justice Minister Mariano Cúneo Libarona, Buenos Aires City Senator Martín Lousteau, Chubut Governor Ignacio Torres, YPF oil-and-gas company head Horacio Marín, and Armed Forces Joint Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Xavier Issac, among many others.

Ambassador Alqemzi gave a speech highlighting the work the UAE has been doing to strengthen its economy and diversify its revenue sources, pointing to its success in fields like technology, space exploration, and culture. He also lauded the inclusion of the UAE in the top-ten list of the 2023 Global Soft Power Index — the only Arab and Middle Eastern country to earn that distinction — and outlined the goals of “We the UAE 2031.” The ambitious program is aimed at doubling the country’s GDP, raising non-oil-based exports, and positioning the cities of the Emirates among the best in the world in quality of life. 

The UAE representative also touched on his country’s humanitarian efforts, pointing out that it ranks in the top-ten of the most generous of the world. He added that over 200 different nationalities live in the country, an achievement he said made the UAE a “true cultural melting pot.” 

The ambassador spoke highly of the partnership the UAE and Argentina have managed to build over half a century of diplomatic relations. He pointed to the promotion of trade and commerce and also lauded the recent formal approval by Congress of a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries that had been signed in 2018.

“This joint effort has driven a remarkable growth in trade: over the past three years, total volume is around US$3 billion,” Alqemzi stated to the audience of Argentine political leaders and lawmakers, as well as businesspeople and military commanders. The ambassador also pointed to ongoing negotiations between the UAE and the Mercosur bloc for a Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, expressing hope that this agreement will strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two regions. 

Ambassador Alqemzi finished his presentation by thanking those present and reaffirming his commitment to build ties with Argentina. 

“We are optimistic about the future and convinced that the strengthening of diplomatic and economic relations will be mutually beneficial and contribute to shared prosperity.”