Officials discussed opportunities to deepen the UAE–Ecuador partnership and enhance cooperation across sectors.
Quito, Ecuador: Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, arrived at Carondelet Palace in Quito, where he was received in an official ceremony featuring the national anthems of the UAE and the Republic of Ecuador.
Following the reception, Sheikh Khaled and President Daniel Noboa reviewed the guard of honour, which stood assembled in the palace courtyard to salute the visiting dignitary.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan opened the meeting by relaying President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s greetings to President Daniel Noboa, wishing him good health and prosperity for Ecuador and its citizens.
In response, President Daniel Noboa welcomed Sheikh Khaled’s visit to Ecuador, emphasizing the importance of further strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. He also asked the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi to convey his warm greetings to the President of the UAE, along with his best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the UAE and its people.
The leaders discussed ways to deepen the UAE–Ecuador partnership and expand cooperation across key sectors, including food security and sustainable agriculture, clean and renewable energy, and advanced technology. They also explored opportunities to promote mutual investments that support shared interests and advance economic diversification.
Following the meeting, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Ecuador was formally announced. The ceremony also highlighted a cooperation agreement between the UAE Ministry of Investment and Ecuador’s Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investments, and Fisheries to explore investment opportunities across priority sectors of mutual interest.
Additionally, a memorandum of understanding was unveiled between EDGE Group and Ecuador’s Ministry of National Defence to strengthen collaboration in security infrastructure under a joint program valued at US$250 million, focusing on advancing surveillance systems and enhancing border protection capabilities.
The UAE Accountability Authority and Ecuador’s Council for Citizen Participation and Social Control also signed a separate memorandum of understanding to reinforce bilateral cooperation in combating corruption and to promote integrity, governance, and transparency across public sector frameworks.
As part of ongoing efforts to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, development projects and cooperation agreements with a combined investment value exceeding US$3 billion are under discussion, reflecting the depth of bilateral cooperation and opening new avenues for economic partnership across key sectors.
The UAE is a key trading partner for Ecuador in the Arab region and Africa, with non-oil trade between the two countries reaching approximately US$373.6 million in 2025, reflecting notable growth compared to previous years.
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aims to reduce tariffs and eliminate barriers to bilateral trade by strengthening cooperation and fostering strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors. It focuses on priority areas such as clean energy, advanced technology, mining, logistics, and agriculture, among other sectors of mutual interest.
Ecuador has become the fourth Latin American country to sign a CEPA with the UAE, following Costa Rica (April 2025), Chile (November 2025), and Colombia (April 2024).
The agreement is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to expand its trade partnership network in the region. Negotiations are currently underway with Peru for a similar agreement, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to strengthening sustainable economic cooperation and advancing trade diversification across South America.
