MEXICO CONTINUES TO PROMOTE ITS WTO CANDIDATE IN THE UAE

Ambassador Lourdes Aranda, as Special Envoy of the Mexican government to promote Dr. Herminio Blanco’s candidacy for the post of Director-General of the WTO, made a working visit today to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). She was accompanied by Mexico’s ambassador to the UAE, Francisco Alonso.

Ambassador Aranda had a frank and friendly meeting with UAE Foreign Minister Mohammed Anwar Gargash, with whom she discussed the good bilateral relationship. She stressed how important Dr. Blanco’s candidacy is for Mexico, highlighting his abilities and experience as qualifying him to hold the post for which he is running.

Dr. Gargash thanked the ambassador for her visit to the UAE to promote Mexico’s candidate, saying that the government had not yet decided on its vote and would do so based on the experience and backgrounds of the candidates. He said that Dr. Herminio Blanco was definitely a strong contender to lead the WTO.

Ambassador Aranda also held a meeting with Sheikh Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, the UAE Foreign Trade Minister, who thanked her for her visit. The two officials agreed on the significant potential of both countries to increase their trade.

Ambassador Aranda discussed Mexico’s interest in receiving the support of the UAE for its candidate to the WTO. The Minister told Ambassador Aranda that the candidacy would be studied with interest and goodwill by the UAE government, which would take Dr. Herminio Blanco’s qualifications into account.

Ambassador Aranda also met with Abdulla Bin Ahmed Al Saleh, UAE Deputy Foreign Trade Minister, explaining to him in detail Dr. Blanco’s vision of the multilateral trading system, as well as his experience and qualifications for becoming the WTO Director-General. Deputy Minister Al Saleh welcomed the ambassador’s visit and the information she gave to support Mexico’s bid. The Deputy Minister said that the UAE would closely monitor the election process, saying that the Mexican candidate would undoubtedly receive strong support.