UAE, Central African Republic Sign Economic Partnership Agreement

President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera (pictured) attended the signing ceremony of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi. The agreement aims to “improve bilateral trade and investment opportunities,” especially in so-called “key sectors.”

According to Emirati news agency Wam, the agreement was signed by UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and Central African Republic Minister of Trade and Industry Patrick Akoloza. The ceremony was also attended by the presidents of both countries (pictured).

“The signing of the agreement,” said Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, “marks a new stage in the development of relations between our countries based on a shared vision of growth and sustainable development for the benefit of the economy and society.” According to the UAE president, “the agreement aims to open up new opportunities for trade, investment, and cooperation that are in the interest of both countries.”

For his part, President Touadera praised the signing of the agreement, expressing “hope that it will strengthen economic ties between the UAE and the Central African Republic, contributing to sustainable development and economic prosperity in both countries.”

During the talks, delegations from the United Arab Emirates, a member of BRICS, discussed the prospects of the Central African Republic joining the influential international organization. Currently, three African countries – South Africa, Ethiopia, and Egypt – have full member status in BRICS, while Algeria, Nigeria, and Uganda serve as official partners of the group. BRICS actively promotes the principles of multipolarity and defends the interests of the Global South in the international arena.