New York, Feb. 21, 2009  The UAE and St. Vincent and the Grenadines signed a joint statement to officially establish diplomatic ties between the two countries at ambassadorial level with effect from February 20, 2009.

UAE’s Permanent Ambassador at the UN Headquarters, Ahmed Abdul Rahman Al-Jarman, signed the statement for his country, while his counterpart from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Camillo Gonsalves, also signed for his country during a short ceremony held here at the premises of the UAE Permanent Mission at the UN Headquarters. A number of members of the diplomatic corps in New York attended the ceremony.

The joint statement, which was placed at the UN Headquarters in Arabic and English copies, expresses the deep interest of the two countries in boosting joint understanding and strengthening relations of friendship and cooperation between them on the basis of the principles and objectives of the UN Charter, international law and treaties, particularly those related to boosting international peace and security, equality among people, national sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

The statement calls for establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries at ambassadorial level, in accordance with the April 18, 1961 Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations, with effect from the day of signing the agreement.

Soon after signing the agreement, Al-Jarman and Gonsalves discussed ways to boost bilateral ties between the two countries, particularly in the areas of politics, economy, trade, culture and other areas.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a group of islands located in the South Eastern part of the Caribbean.