Armenia has quite a good geographic location and can serve as a link between Eastern Asia, as well as Eastern and Western Europe, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Armenia H.E. Jassim Mohamed Al Qasemi told Armenian News – NEWS.am correspondent.
Mr. Ambassador, we welcome you to Armenia and wish you fruitful work here. How would you describe the diplomatic ties between the two countries?
The opening of the Embassy aimed to develop the ties between the two countries in all the spheres, including economic and political ones. Our objective is also to build bridges between our governments and nations, as well as find ways to develop our relations.
Moscow used to be considered the main business center for Armenia. However, in the recent 10-15 years the Armenian business has become very active in the UAE and particularly in Dubai. Thus, it can now be considered as the second business center for Armenia. What business models have been worked out and discussed with Armenia? Is there a possibility for new ways of cooperation?
The Armenian community has lived in the Emirates for quite a long time, being greatly appreciated by both the government of Emirates and the Emirati people. Armenians contribute to the implementation of economic projects. There are Armenians who are presidents of large companies, banks and other economic institutions. Others are private company owners, who work with the Emirati people and cooperate [wit them] in a number of projects, thus contributing to the development of the Emirates’ economy.
Many Armenians may want to start a business in the Emirates, since the business environment is really wonderful there, and can even be said to be a paradise. How can the Embassy support with this respect, and, generally, how do foreigners start a business in the Emirates?
It’s very easy to start a company in the Emirates. You should only take a number of measures for the company to develop. There are also free zones both in the sphere of trade and industry. If you start something, you can easily bring it to an end. Both the infrastructure and experience of the Emirates are very important for starting a business in the region.
In terms of economy, does the UAE consider Armenia as a separate partner or is the country included in the context of the region’s economic units?
The Emirates consider Armenia as a country which has quite many opportunities for developing relations between the two countries. This is due to Armenia’s very good geographic location. It can serve as a link between Eastern Asia, as well as Eastern and Western Europe. The country [also] has economic opportunities, for instance, the trade, industry and tourism. We hope the business cooperation between the countries will be quite expanded.
If possible, could you please note the priority directions which you would prefer developing with Armenia?
Cooperation in the sphere of economy, trade, agriculture and, of course, re-exportation which is of primary significance for the Emirates. The UAE is a very important window for the states which have no way out to the sea so that these countries can export goods to other countries.
And Armenia can consider the Emirates as a center for the re-exportation of its goods. There are also a number of opportunities in the sphere of agriculture. Organic food has quite a great significance in the Emirates and the Gulf region countries at large. I hope there will be more projects in the future for implementing this cooperation.
Mr. Ambassador, you have already been in Armenia for almost a year. What are your impressions about our country?
First of all, Armenian people are very nice and hospitable. They have a very friendly attitude and also good morals and manners. I hope the tourism from the Emirates to Armenia will gradually develop further. I’m sure the Emirati people will like Armenia very much and will prefer spending their vacation, specifically the summer one, in Armenia.
When visiting Armenia this year, many Emiratis saw what nice and hospitable people Armenians are. They also saw that all the opportunities for tourism are available in Armenia. I also see good opportunities for the two countries in the sphere of trade.
Mr. Ambassador, I can’t but refer to this question due to the situation in the Middle East: What diplomatic activities can the two countries carry out?
Both countries have one focus and aim, namely to struggle against the terrorism, regardless of its form. Terrorism has neither a religion nor a homeland. And the terrorists in no way represent Islam, whatever happens. We refuse anything which has to do with terrorism.
