The UAE-Argentine Committee for Political Consultations on Sunday held its first meeting to discuss bolstering co-operation between the two countries.

Areas for expanding ties included focusing on economic diversification, expertise and technology transfer in the energy sector, tourism and scientific and cultural exchanges, manufacturing and agriculture, as well as innovation, entrepreneurship and development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

During the meeting, co-chaired by Ahmed Abdul Rahman Al Jarman, Assistant Minister of International Cooperation for Political Affairs, Ahmed Abdul Rahman Al Jarman and Argentinian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Foradori, the two sides also exchanged views about regional and international issues and stressed that they continue to support all peaceful efforts in enhancing understanding and dialogue to establish regional and international justice, peace and stability.

Praising the outstanding partnership between the UAE and Argentina in bilateral and multi-lateral arenas, Al Jarman stressed that the UAE takes a keen interest in promoting these relations to fulfil the aspirations of the top leadership in both countries and serve their common goals and interests.

The double taxation agreement signed recently with Argentina directly contributes to supporting and increasing trade and investment opportunities, Al Jarman stressed.

The Emirati official called for building on the competitive advantage and notable economic growth rates in both countries to expand their co-operation in economic, trade, tourism and cultural spheres.

Al Jarman further called for increasing the exchange of visits of official delegations to benefit from the advanced potential and incentives in both countries, and hailed the recent visit of Argentina's Vice President Gabriela Michetti to the UAE.

The Argentines praised the partnership with the UAE and stressed that bilateral ties between the countries are profound in all spheres. They also welcomed continued joint efforts in achieving an expansion in these ties.

On the sidelines of the meeting, a memorandum of understanding on sports was signed.

The volume of trade between the UAE and Argentina amounted to AED4 billion in the past four years.