UAE to open more diplomatic missions abroad

Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said the UAE has 77 embassies across the world and is aspiring to expand its diplomatic network into East Africa by opening new missions in Kenya and Uganda.

"We are also planning to boost our presence in Latin America by opening an embassy in Chile,'' he told reporters after the opening session of the Fifth Forum of UAE Ambassadors and Heads of Diplomatic Representations abroad.

The minister admitted that despite this massive expansion, the UAE is facing a shortage in diplomatic cadres.

"However, we will attract more Emirati nationals and train them to join the diplomatic corps,'' he said.

He highlighted the critical role the UAE embassies abroad are playing in serving interest of the UAE and its citizens, noting that over 31,000 citizens have registered with Tawajedi, a Foreign Ministry initiative to serve UAE citizens travelling abroad at times of crises and emergencies.

He said that Emirati women are playing a commendable role in representing the UAE abroad.

He considered the female diplomat as a mirror of her active role in the local community.

In Tuesday’s session, Dr Gargash will review the ministry's political report.

Yasser Abdu Rabu, member of the political bureau of Fatah Movement, will speak about the latest developments in the Middle East peace process.