UAE President vows to enhance ties with African countries

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President of the Central African Republic, discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation, particularly in economic, trade, and investment sectors, as well as renewable energy, infrastructure, and other key development areas that serve the shared interests of both nations.

During their meeting at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Touadéra, who is on a working visit to the UAE.

Touadéra congratulated Sheikh Mohamed on the occasion of Ramadan and wished the UAE and its people continued progress and prosperity.

Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to fostering development partnerships with African nations to promote a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Both sides expressed their shared commitment to advancing cooperation between the UAE and the Central African Republic in a way that benefits both countries, drives sustainable economic growth, and fulfils their aspirations for the future.

Sheikh Mohamed and Touadéra also witnessed the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries.

The agreement aims to enhance bilateral trade and investment opportunities, particularly in key sectors.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the UAE by Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and on behalf of the Central African Republic by Patrick Akoloza, Minister of Trade and Industry.

Sheikh Mohamed stated that the signing of the CEPA marks a new phase in the UAE’s relationship with the Central African Republic, driven by their shared vision for growth and sustainable development to achieve mutual economic and social benefits.

He highlighted that the agreement aims to open new avenues for trade, investment, and cooperation that serve the interests of both nations.

Touadéra welcomed the signing of the agreement, expressing hope that it would strengthen economic ties between the UAE and the Central African Republic and contribute to sustainable development and economic prosperity for both countries.

During the meeting, UAE and CAR leaders also witnessed the announcement of several agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two countries. These covered areas such as investment protection and promotion, double taxation avoidance, infrastructure, mineral resources, and education, among others.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Ali Mohammed Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; Dr Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Sarah Bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education; Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State; Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Rashid Saeed Al Shamsi, UAE’s Non-Resident Ambassador to the Central African Republic.

Non-oil trade between the UAE and the Central African Republic reached approximately US$252 million in 2024, reflecting a 75 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

The UAE’s non-oil exports to the Central African Republic include essential consumer goods such as food products, textiles, and electronics, as well as machinery and pharmaceuticals that support key sectors across Africa.

Meanwhile, the Central African Republic exports agricultural products, including coffee, cotton, and cassava, to the UAE, in addition to valuable mineral resources such as gold and diamonds.

The CEPA is expected to increase market access for locally produced goods in both countries by reducing or eliminating tariffs, removing non-tariff trade barriers, and boosting investment in key sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, and technology.

As the UAE continues to expand its global trade network, the agreement underscores its commitment to strengthening strategic economic ties with African nations, recognising the continent’s growing role in the global economy.