Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, held a series of bilateral meetings with finance ministers and senior international officials on the sidelines of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings. Moreover, he led the UAE delegation during discussions held in Washington.
The meetings included officials from the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Argentina, Switzerland, and Norway. Additionally, the talks focused on expanding financial cooperation and reviewing fiscal and taxation priorities of shared interest.
During a meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Al Hussaini discussed opportunities to strengthen strategic cooperation across financial and economic sectors. Furthermore, the meeting took place in the presence of Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE.
Al Hussaini praised the United States’ leadership of the G20 finance track this year. Moreover, he welcomed the UAE’s invitation to participate as a guest country, saying it reflects the depth of bilateral ties and growing recognition of the UAE’s international financial role.
He added that the meeting provided an opportunity to align views on current financial priorities. Additionally, he said both sides explored innovative solutions to support regional financial stability.
Focus on Europe and North America cooperation
In a separate meeting with Roland Lescure, France’s Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, Al Hussaini reviewed bilateral financial cooperation supported by governing agreements. Moreover, both sides discussed expanding expertise exchange across key financial sectors.
Al Hussaini also met Rachel Reeves, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, to discuss enhancing financial cooperation and reviewing strategic partnership priorities. Additionally, both sides stressed the importance of ongoing coordination and regular dialogue on global financial issues.
During his meeting with François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Finance and National Revenue, Al Hussaini discussed strengthening cooperation frameworks aligned with shared interests. Furthermore, both sides highlighted the need to expand bilateral collaboration to support financial sustainability and long-term prosperity.
Expanding ties with Argentina, Switzerland and Norway
Al Hussaini met Luis Caputo, Argentina’s Minister of Finance, and both sides highlighted positive momentum following the entry into force of the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement in November 2024. Moreover, the agreement was described as supporting a secure and sustainable investment environment.
The meeting also reviewed the importance of the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement. Additionally, both sides said the framework supports investment flows and strengthens cooperation between the business communities.
Al Hussaini also met Daniela Stoffel, State Secretary for International Finance of Switzerland. Furthermore, both sides praised the strength of financial ties and reaffirmed commitment to deeper regulatory coordination and institutional linkages.
In discussions with Jens Stoltenberg, Norway’s Minister of Finance, Al Hussaini reviewed ways to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for expanded financial partnership. Moreover, both sides expressed interest in boosting cooperation and expertise exchange across areas of mutual priority.
The UAE said the meetings support its broader efforts to strengthen strategic ties with key global financial centres. Additionally, the delegation said the engagements aim to advance cooperation frameworks that contribute to stability in the global financial system.
