The U.A.E. Federal National Council (FNC) and the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries in the United Nations (GRULAC) have signed a parliamentary cooperation agreement on the sidelines of the 131st IPU Assembly in Geneva.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the first one signed between the group of 21 member states and an Arab country, was inked by FNC’s First Deputy Speaker Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi and GRULAC President Roberto Leon.
It calls for creating a joint parliamentary group of seven members from each side which will meet once a year on the sidelines of the IPU Assembly.
Dr. Al Qubaisi said the FNC - GRULAC partnership stems out of the U.A.E.'s conviction of the active role GRULAC plays in international parliamentary diplomacy.
''The agreement paves the way for broader joint constructive consultation and exchange of views on the agenda of the IPU conferences. We definitely need this form of cooperation due to the U.A.E.'s progressive ties of friendship and cooperation with the GRULAC member states. This agreement will contribute to the growing mutual interests and evolving bilateral political and economic relations,'' she added.
The U.A.E. hoped the agreement would be a valuable addition to UAE - GRULAC efforts towards the respect for human rights, principles and goals of the UN as well as international law and non-interference into the internal affairs of other states, she stated.
Under the agreement, the two sides will share experiences and experiments and training on parliamentary diplomacy, she said.
''The agreement will enhance the resolve of the two sides to maintain international security and peace which are facing threats posed by international and regional crises, rapid social and economic transformations and international tensions and misunderstandings. These crises need further understanding, cooperation and coordination among like-minded countries,'' she added.
The GRULAC president also expressed his delight at sealing the agreement with the FNC, which followed a recent one with China.
The agreement represented a gateway for cooperation not only with the U.A.E. but also with the GCC and the Arab world at large, he noted.
He added that it would enable the two signatories to coordinate their parliamentary stances and participations, boost joint cooperation and share expertise.