Abdullah bin Zayed calls for stronger cooperation on scientific research with Latin America

Abu Dhabi, Dec 18, 2012 (WAM) - Foreign Minister H.H Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan called for intensifying and promoting cooperation on scientific research with Latin American and Caribbean nations. "We should consider the possibility of promoting cooperation on scientific research as cooperation should not be limited to economic, political, cultural or historical aspects," Sheikh Abdullah said in a speech at a dinner hosted by the UAE University on the sidelines of the Arab Latin-American Forum in Abu Dhabi. He noted that some Latin American countries have economic and educational opportunities, not only for the Gulf Cooperation Council member countries, but for all Arab countries and the media and social networking sites can play an important role in this regard. He cited Masdar clean energy project among the needs and interests shared by the two regions. Despite the growth of bilateral relations between the UAE and some Latin American and Caribbean countries over the past two decades, trade exchange which stands at around US$4 billion does not live up to expectations. "It is the organisations and institutes of the private sector and the academic sector, and not presidents or heads of governments, that should promote knowledge among Arabs in order to promote these relations. So many Arab youth, Sheikh Abdullah added, recognise by name the Latin American sporting figures more than they do sporting figures of their own countries. All are responsible for promoting knowledge and convergence between the two regions in various spheres, he noted. The roots of Arab Latin-American relations, according to Sheikh Abdullah, are ancient, are based on blood relationships, culture and language through the Judeo-Christian-Muslim common history of Andalusia, and also founded on humanitarian aspects in particular. The UAE maintains unique relations with a number of Latin American countries, has embassies in Brazil and Mexico and will soon open an embassy in Peru. Arab immigrants to Latin America in the 19th century established a significant Arab presence to become later a vital element for promoting relations between Arab and Latin American countries, he further noted. - Emirates News Agency, WAM