The UAE has led a series of high-level bilateral meetings with finance ministers and senior international officials on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C.
UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini chaired the engagements. The UAE delegation engaged in discussions to strengthen international financial cooperation and address key fiscal and taxation priorities of mutual interest.
The meetings brought together counterparts from the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Argentina, Switzerland, and Norway, reflecting the UAE’s expanding network of financial partnerships across major global economies.
Al Hussaini met Scott Bessent, US Secretary of the Treasury, to explore opportunities to deepen strategic cooperation between the two countries across financial and economic sectors.
The discussions were held in the presence of Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE.
Al Hussaini commented on the United States’ leadership of the G20 finance track this year and expressed appreciation for the UAE’s invitation to participate as a guest country.
He noted that the engagement underscores the strength of bilateral relations and the growing international recognition of the UAE’s role in the global financial system.
Both sides exchanged views on current global financial priorities and explored innovative approaches to enhancing regional financial stability.
Partnerships with European and American allies
In a separate meeting with Roland Lescure, France’s Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, both sides reviewed the strong financial partnership underpinned by existing bilateral agreements.
Discussions focused on expanding cooperation and enhancing the exchange of expertise across priority financial sectors.
Al Hussaini also met UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening financial cooperation and maintaining close coordination on global economic issues.
Further engagements with François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Finance and National Revenue, highlighted the importance of strengthening collaborative frameworks to support financial sustainability and long-term economic growth.
Image via WAM | Cropped by GBN
Deepening Economic and Investment Ties
In discussions with Argentina’s Minister of Finance Luis Caputo, both sides noted positive momentum in bilateral relations, particularly following the entry into force of the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement in November 2024.
They also pointed out the value of the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement in facilitating transparent tax frameworks and encouraging cross-border investment flows.
Similarly, meetings with Swiss State Secretary for International Finance Daniela Stoffel highlighted strong financial integration and mutual trust between the two countries, with both sides agreeing to further enhance regulatory coordination and institutional cooperation.
UAE–Norway financial cooperation
During talks with Norway’s Minister of Finance Jens Stoltenberg, Al Hussaini discussed ways to strengthen the legal and institutional foundations of bilateral financial relations.
The two counties expressed their shared interest in expanding cooperation and fostering a more enabling environment for business and investment.
