Asuncion, Paraguay – Dr. Thani Al Zayoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, participated in the Mercosur, the common market for South American countries, summit. Hosted by Asunción, the capital of the Republic of Paraguay, with the participation of leaders and heads of government of member states and partners.
The participation came on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.
During the summit, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zayoudi conveyed the greetings of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to the leaders of the Mercosur countries. His Highness wished the countries and peoples of the bloc further progress, prosperity and well-being.
He also delivered the UAE speech during the summit. He stressed the UAE’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Mercosur countries and consolidating a strategic partnership to which the country attaches great importance. It sees it as a fundamental pillar of our common economic future with the countries of the group.
global economic restructuring
Al-Zayoudi said that the world is today witnessing rapid geopolitical transformations that are reshaping the global economy. This provides the UAE and Mercosur countries with an opportunity to build a balanced and sustainable economic partnership. It goes beyond the challenges of the current stage, and is based on common interests and a future vision.
He explained that the UAE’s economic priorities are largely consistent with those of Mercosur countries. The two sides share a belief in the importance of directing strategic investments towards modern technologies. Future industries and new energy sources. In addition to investing in developing competencies and knowledge, as they are the basis for achieving sustainable economic growth. Stressing that trade represents the main driver of economic growth, promoting innovation, and accelerating economic diversification efforts. This makes it a key focus of the shared vision for the future.
Al-Zayoudi said that the UAE affirms its commitment to concluding a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with the Mercosur countries. As a strategic framework that allows full exploitation of the great potential of economic relations between the two sides.
Drawing the features of the next partnership
He stressed that the UAE sees promising opportunities to deepen its partnership with Mercosur countries. The volume of non-oil bilateral trade between the two sides reached $6.2 billion during 2025. While joint investments and projects contributed to achieving tangible added value to the economies of the group’s countries.
He explained that the discussions held by the UAE and Mercosur countries are not limited to exploring new areas of cooperation. Rather, it extends to shaping the next phase of the partnership, including enhancing the resilience of food value chains. Supporting the transformation of the energy sector and developing logistics connectivity. Which contributes to opening new markets for industries and exporters on both sides.
He pointed out that the developments witnessed by the world over the past four months have emphasized the importance of close international partnerships and the need to maintain an open global trading system based on international rules. Stressing that the UAE and Mercosur countries today have a real opportunity to build a partnership that reflects the ambitions of their economies. It brings sustainable benefits to the business sector on both sides, and benefits their people. Stressing that the time has come to turn this opportunity into reality.
A prominent political and economic forum
It is worth noting that the UAE’s participation in the Mercosur Summit comes within the framework of its approach aimed at expanding its comprehensive network of economic partnerships with various economic blocs. And strengthening its economic presence in global markets. In line with its vision to consolidate trade and investment as engines of sustainable growth.
The Mercosur Summit is one of the most prominent political and economic forums in South America. Leaders of member states and partners gathered to discuss ways to enhance global economic integration and develop trade and investment cooperation. Discussing regional and international issues of common interest in light of Mercosur’s growing role as one of the largest economic blocs in the world.
