By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The UAE, which has 77 embassies across the world, is aspiring to expand its diplomatic network in East Africa and Latin America by opening new missions in Kenya, Uganda and Chile, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Mohammed Gargash said Monday.
“We are planning to boost our presence in Latin America by opening an embassy in Chile,” he told reporters after the opening session of the Fifth Forum of UAE ambassadors and heads of diplomatic representations abroad.
The minister admitted that despite this massive expansion, the UAE is facing a shortage of diplomatic cadres.
“However, we will attract more Emirati nationals and train them to join the diplomatic corps,” he added.
He said the UAE embassies abroad are playing a critical role in serving the interests of the country and its citizens, noting that over 31,000 citizens have registered with Tawajedi, a Foreign Ministry initiative to serve UAE citizens travelling abroad in times of crises and emergencies.