Emirati-Mexican couples strengthen ties between nations
MARRIAGES ARE VERY SUCCESSFUL BECAUSE OF THE TWO PEOPLE’S COMMON VALUES, MEXICAN AMBASSADOR MENDEZ SAYS
While the US seeks to build walls at the Mexico border, the faraway UAE sets an example of intercontinental harmony. The flourishing people-to-people ties between the Latin American country and the UAE have been crowned by a spate of marital bonds between Emirati men and Mexican women.
Around 300 Emirati-Mexican couples in the UAE symbolise the integration of both cultures, a top Mexican diplomat told Gulf News in an interview.
“They act as a bridge between both peoples … and nations,” said Francisca Mendez, the Mexican Ambassador to the UAE.
She said Emirati-Mexican marriages are very successful because of the two people’s common values. “We (both) promote values of the family.”
Many Emiratis are visiting Mexico and are attracted to Mexican culture and people, she said.
In their [Mexican-Emirati couples] daily life, there is an integration of both cultures, Mendez said.
She shared these thoughts on the occasion of Mexican Independence Day. Mexico celebrated its Independence Day yesterday, the 208th anniversary of the country’s independence from Spain.
The Mexican Embassy in Abu Dhabi is organising a reception to celebrate Independence Day tomorrow at the Emirates Palace. The ambassador said the number of Mexicans living in ■ the UAE has risen from 1,500 to 1,600 during the past year, the envoy said. Most of them are professionals in aviation, oil and gas and hospitality sectors, ■ she said.
The UAE is surprising her with its positivity every day. “I find different new aspects of this country on a daily basis. Emiratis are very proud of their culture. They are very tolerant and practise it in their daily life.”
Act of solidarity
The Late Shaikh Zayed’s values are visible in Emirati life. His generosity and tradition of standing with the sufferings of people extended his influence across the world.
Mexicans still cherish such solidarity. “The UAE was one of the first countries to extend help to Mexico when an earthquake killed around 95 people last year,” the envoy said.
Bilateral ties witnessed huge progress with 14 legal instruments being signed between both nations during the UAE visit of President Enrique Peña Nieto in January 2016. His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresident and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, had visited Mexico in April 2014.
The UAE’s presence in the developments in Latin America also brings both nations closer. The UAE is an observer in the Pacific Alliance, a Latin American regional grouping with Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Chile as member countries, she said.
The envoy said the Mexican Embassy in Abu Dhabi gives high priority to its cultural agenda. “Culture is a key element to build bridges. That’s why the embassy is organising month-long cultural activities throughout September to celebrate the Independence Day.”