(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The United Arab Emirates opened the UAE Consulate in New York City and appointed Majid Al-Suwaidi as Consul General.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Yousef Al Otaiba, the UAE'sAmbassador to the United States. New York marks the country's second consulate in the US after Los Angeles and further reinforces the growing UAE-US relationship. "New York City is an international hub for business and commerce, making it an integral part of the rapidly expanding relationship between the UAE and US," Al Hashimy said. "This milestone enables our two countries to continue building robust ties right here in New York." New York is one of the top five exporting states to the UAE. These trade deals range from financial services to automobiles and support thousands of American jobs annually. New York is also the largest US port for UAE trade, with total trade growing from $626 million in 1999 to $1.9 billion in 2014. Cultural engagement between the two countries is also growing as American academic and cultural organisations partner with UAE counterparts on a variety of new projects. Most notably, the UAE partnered with New York University to launch NYU Abu Dhabi, which brings NYU liberal arts and sciences curriculum to a global audience and helps to train the next generation of international leaders. "From business to trade to fashion to education, we have so much in common," Consul General Al-Suwaidi said. "Many Emiratis, especially students, come to New York City each year to pursue their career aspirations." Al-Suwaidi will play an instrumental role in bolstering ties with the US by promoting commercial relationships, increasing cultural exchanges and enhancing UAE-US cooperation in the East Coast. While the New York Consulate officially opened this week, it has already been engaged in several community partnerships for more than six months with organisations including the NYC Mayor's Office for International Affairs, the New York Police Department and the New York City Football Club. In addition to supporting UAE-US business, government and community partnerships, the New York Consulate will provide consular services, diplomatic documentation, and resources for commerce and trade. The UAE will open two other consulates in Boston and Houston later this year. Share
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