Emirates continues to expand diplomatic ties with SICA membership
The United Arab Emirates continues to make great strides in expanding its diplomatic relations. On this occasion, the country presided over by Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan has reached an accession agreement whereby his country will become part of the Central American Integration System (SICA) as a non-regional observer member. This agreement was reached during the ministerial council of the organisation held in the city of San José, Costa Rica, and represents a very important step forward for the Emirati country, which thus reinforces its position in Central America and strengthens its relationship with the SICA countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that "this achievement is a testament to the exceptional relations that unite the UAE and the countries of the Central American and Caribbean regions". A milestone that follows another diplomatic success for the UAE just a few weeks ago, when it was elected to the United Nations Security Council. A diplomatic triumph that was praised by Arab countries as a whole and was achieved because "The UAE's campaign for Security Council membership was based on its commitment to promote inclusiveness, stimulate innovation, build resilience and ensure peace at all levels," according to the Emirati state news agency WAM.
The diplomatic advances orchestrated from Abu Dhabi are part of a much larger expansion that is accompanied by a diversification of the economy and a boost to different financial sectors in the country. SICA membership will not only be a step forward in diplomatic relations, but, as the UAE government has stressed, it is a very important organisation in economic terms, for business and global trade.
The UAE's search for firm allies has been underway for some time. Not only that, but its every move is being made with firmness and precision, and it is gaining substantial advantages that can elevate it to the forefront of international relations. A good example of this was also the 'Abraham Agreement', considered by many to be 'the deal of the century', whereby the UAE, together with Bahrain, formalised the normalisation of relations with Israel when Donald Trump, who sponsored the ceremony, was still president of the United States.
Now, with the arrival of SICA, the UAE's position is once again at the centre of attention. And not surprisingly, as an Observer, the UAE will be able to participate in the Meeting of Presidents and the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, as well as in other areas of the integration process, with the aim of establishing joint agendas for political dialogue, sustainable development and cooperation. In addition, it will provide assistance in three broad areas: transport and urban infrastructure; government effectiveness; and women's empowerment and protection to meet important needs in developing countries and contribute substantially to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The United Arab Emirates has made its way into SICA in yet another achievement of its efficient foreign policy. It will do so by playing an important role in the organisation that could help it build bridges with more countries with which it does not yet have diplomatic relations. So far, the UAE has relations with the eight SICA member countries, Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama and the Dominican Republic. Now, the possibilities for expansion are multiplying and the prominence of Emirati policy continues to rise meteorically.
